Treaty of Passarowitz: What Happened
On 21 July 1718, Austria, Venice and the Ottoman Empire signed the Treaty of Passarowitz, at the town now called Požarevac in Serbia, ending the war that had begun in 1714. The war started when the Ottomans attacked Venice to recover the Peloponnese, which Venice had taken during the Morean War. In 1715, the Ottomans overran the Peloponnese in a rapid campaign, capturing its fortresses one after another. Austria then entered the war in support of Venice. The Austrian commander Prince Eugene of Savoy won major victories over the Ottomans at Petrovaradin in 1716 and at Belgrade in 1717. Under the treaty, Austria gained Belgrade and large territories in the Balkans. Venice, however, was the clear loser. It had to accept the loss of the Peloponnese, which returned to Ottoman rule, while keeping the Ionian Islands and a few coastal towns in Dalmatia and Albania. The treaty marked the end of Venice's role as a major power in the eastern Mediterranean. The Peloponnese stayed under Ottoman rule until the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of Passarowitz?
The Treaty of Passarowitz, signed on 21 July 1718, ended a war between the Ottoman Empire and Venice and Austria. Venice lost the Peloponnese to the Ottomans.
Where is Passarowitz?
Passarowitz is the modern town of Požarevac in eastern Serbia, about 80 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, where the treaty was signed.
Why did the war start?
The Ottomans attacked Venice in 1714 to recover the Peloponnese, which Venice had taken during the Morean War. They overran it in 1715.
What did Austria gain?
Austria, whose commander Prince Eugene of Savoy won major victories, gained Belgrade and large territories in the Balkans.
What did Venice keep after Passarowitz?
Venice kept the Ionian Islands and a few coastal towns in Dalmatia and Albania. The treaty marked the end of Venice as a major eastern Mediterranean power.
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