Battle of Zonchio

Battle of Zonchio
Part of the Ottoman–Venetian War of 1499–1503

unknown Venetian artist, British Museum
Date14–25 August 1499
Location
Result Ottoman victory
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire Republic of Venice
Commanders and leaders
Bayezid II
Kemal Reis
Feriz Beg
Antonio Grimani
Strength
60 light galleys
3 heavy galleys
30 galiots
40 fustas
21 carracks
111 barges
46 light galleys
17 heavy galleys
15 carracks
4 caravels
11 brigantines

The naval Battle of Zonchio (Turkish: Sapienza Deniz Muharebesi, also known as the Battle of Sapienza or the First Battle of Lepanto) took place on four separate days: 12, 20, 22, and 25 August 1499. It was a part of the Ottoman–Venetian War of 1499–1503.

During its course, the Venetians attempted to intercept an Ottoman fleet in route to conquer Lepanto, but were hampered by miscoordination and repeatedly failed to engage the Ottomans. With their failure at checking their advance, Lepanto fell shortly after. The Ottomans emerged as a serious naval force in the Mediterranean with their victory, followed by a series of similar successes during the war.