The 1500 campaign begins with an institutional failure ashore at Lepanto. Venice had attacked the position in December 1499, but Kemal Reis retook it quickly the following spring. The speed of the recapture suggests that the republic had not established a strong garrison, repaired the defenses, or stockpiled the supplies needed to resist. The failure is especially striking because Venetian power depended on maritime logistics. Lepanto shows why possession of a base means little without sustainment and preparation.
Chapter · 15:33-17:02
Lepanto exposes a Venetian logistics failure
The rapid Ottoman recovery of Lepanto suggests that Venice had failed to repair, garrison, supply, or fortify a recently regained position.