Empires of the Sea

Set against the backdrop of the 1521 invasion of Rhodes by Suleiman the Magnificent, this gripping narrative explores the fierce conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Christian forces for dominance in the Mediterranean. Roger Crowley vividly portrays a diverse array of characters, including pirates and religious warriors, as they engage in brutal galley warfare and face the harsh realities of slavery and violence. The book offers a riveting account of this historical struggle, illuminating themes of faith, power, and the ongoing clash of civilizations.