Though the Battle of Lepanto was a significant defeat for the Ottoman Empire, it was a much less severe blow to them than losing Cyprus was to the Republic of Venice. Ottoman Grand Vizier Mehmed Sokullu boasted to Venetian emissary Marcantonio Barbaro that it was the difference between a shaved beard and a severed arm.
What if the Holy League had somehow managed to prevent the Ottomans from taking Cyprus?
What if the Holy League had somehow managed to prevent the Ottomans from taking Cyprus?
