Ottoman Rome

Abstract

This chapter examines Morisco apocalyptic texts and inquisitorial sources alongside parallel Venetian, Greek, and Ottoman prophecies in the aftermath of the Battle of Lepanto to trace the Mediterranean-wide idea of the Ottoman sultan as a just ruler. It discusses cases that demonstrate the possibility of the Ottomans and the Spanish meddling in each other's internal politics. This chapter also looks into conspiracies that were considered manifestations of a much larger political reality underpinned by the ongoing imperial competition in the Mediterranean. It suggests that the large imperial blocs chose to engage with each other directly instead of fighting through proxies. They did this not in a simple micro conflict but rather at the Battle of Lepanto, where the mighty Ottoman navy faced the Holy League, a coalition of Christian powers from around the Mediterranean, and suffered great defeat.