Venetian – Ottoman Wars in the East Adriatic Theatre of Operations (1645–1718): Determining the Ratio of Forces

Abstract

Abstract During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire clashed in three wars spanning from 1645 to 1718, with intermittent periods of peace. These military conflicts unfolded in two distinct theatres of operations – the Aegean and the East Adriatic. While the former has received considerable attention in international scholarship, the latter remains largely overlooked. This article seeks to shed light on the East Adriatic theatre and, more specifically, to examine the ratio of forces between the warring armies during this period. This enquiry holds great significance, as local historians have often uncritically relied on Venetian sources, which consistently portrayed the Ottoman armies as substantially larger than they were. By thoroughly examining these Venetian sources, this analysis aims to provide a reevaluated force ratio between the belligerent armies, which can serve as a valid starting point for explaining the consecutive Venetian victories in this theatre.