Ottomans Versus Christians: Battle for the Mediterranean

The rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire is the subject of this six-part series hosted by Julian Davison. Primarily a military history, Ottomans Versus Christians sketches the foundation of the realm in Anatolia around 1300, before turning to the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, followed by an account of Suleiman the Magnificent's capture of Rhodes in 1522. Part three recounts the successful defense of Malta against an Ottoman fleet in 1565, while the fourth and fifth segments explore the long-time rivalry between the empire and Venice in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Ottoman assault on Venetian strongholds on Cyprus in 1570, and the resultant naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which marked the end of the empire's Mediterranean expansion. The final installment focuses on the gradual decline of the Ottoman state from the late 16th century up through World War I, ending with the reconstruction of the Anatolian remnant into the modern nation of Turkey by Kemal Atatürk. Apart from the last episode, which features substantial archival footage, the series serves up newly shot material of Davison's visits to battle sites, as well as discussions—mainly on strategy and tactics—with experts, along with illustrative artwork. Particular emphasis is placed on Ottoman architecture, weaponry, and naval forces and military training, while actors dressed in period garb occasionally appear to offer brief speeches in the character of sultans and Christian knights. A solid popular history series, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)