The rise of the modern Greek nation The fifteenth century brought about the destruction of the Roman Empire of the East when the Ottoman Turks, under the sickle moon banner and the fervour of Islam, finally broke through the walls of Constantinople in 1453. With the establishment of Istanbul as the centre of Ottoman power astride the Bosphorus, the Turks could confidently look back to Asia for all they had achieved, and westwards towards Europe for all that could be won. The tide of Ottoman invasion ultimately turned at the walls of Vienna in 1683, but before and after that reverse there were several Christian nations which were held in Turkish thrall for centuries. None felt the heel of oppression and occupation more keenly than Greece. No country, so different in culture and religion stood closer to Turkey. No people had born its shackles longer and or had fostered such a deep abiding enmity. By the early 19th century the Ottoman Empire was in decline and the movement for a reclaimed Greek nationalism saw its opportunity and rose in armed revolt. The ensuing conflict was a predictably bitter and bloody affair, which saw one of the most significant naval engagements of the age at Navarino. This special Leonaur edition contains a detailed history of the war which led to Greek victory, together with an essay specifically about the Battle of Navarino. Also included are images and maps which did not accompany original versions of the texts. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.