Morean War: What Happened
From 1684 to 1699, Venice fought the Ottoman Empire in a war known as the Morean War, part of a wider conflict following the Ottomans' failed siege of Vienna in 1683. Venice joined the Holy League, an alliance with Austria, Poland and later Russia, and saw an opportunity to recover lost territories. The Venetian commander Francesco Morosini, who had surrendered Candia in 1669, led the campaign, with many German and other mercenaries. Between 1685 and 1687, Venetian forces captured the major fortresses of the Peloponnese, known then as the Morea, including Koroni, Navarino, Nafplio and Patras. In 1687, Morosini advanced into Attica and besieged Athens, and during the siege a Venetian shell blew up the Parthenon. The Venetians occupied Athens but abandoned it the following year. Morosini was elected Doge of Venice in 1688. The war ended with the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, which confirmed Venetian rule over the Peloponnese. It was Venice's last great territorial gain, but it proved short-lived, as the Ottomans retook the region in 1715.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Morean War?
The Morean War, from 1684 to 1699, was fought between Venice and the Ottoman Empire, in which Venice conquered the Peloponnese, then known as the Morea.
Who led the Venetians in the Morean War?
The Venetian commander Francesco Morosini, who had surrendered Candia in 1669, led the campaign and was elected Doge of Venice in 1688.
What did Venice capture in the Morean War?
Between 1685 and 1687, Venetian forces captured the major fortresses of the Peloponnese, including Koroni, Navarino, Nafplio and Patras, and briefly occupied Athens.
How did the Morean War end?
The war ended with the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, which confirmed Venetian rule over the Peloponnese.
How long did Venice keep the Peloponnese?
Venetian rule was short-lived. The Ottomans retook the Peloponnese in 1715, and the Treaty of Passarowitz confirmed the loss in 1718.
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