THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLES OF HISTORY 2nd edition - 2,500 Years of Naval Warfare

The names of Actium, Lepanto, Trafalgar and Jutland resonate as so many confrontations that have entered History with a capital H. The warship became a weapon in its own right, ceaselessly evolving and transforming. Yet, however devastating these countless battles may have been, they also contributed to the greatness of humanity. For if conflicts inevitably bring misfortune, they have also been, paradoxically, a source of progress.

The galley, queen of battle for nearly two millennia, eventually gave way to true cathedrals of wood and hemp — the majestic ships of the line, the most imposing of which carried over a hundred cannons. Successive industrial revolutions then freed vessels from the constraints of the natural elements. Sail became optional before disappearing altogether, as engine rooms filled with steam machinery and hulls were clad in armour of steel. The ship of the line became a battleship whose guns hurled shells weighing nearly a ton beyond the horizon.

In every era, there is a battle that leaves its mark on the relentless pace of technological change. Historians have counted more than five hundred naval battles that have played a role in world history. Jean-Yves Delitte, official painter of the Belgian Navy and expert in maritime history, has selected twenty-six of the most significant. This selection offers a broad perspective spanning more than 2,500 years of history. Join the crew for a voyage through time and across the seas!