 The Mediterranean Sea may be a beautiful tourist destination today but in the 16th century it was the central arena for an almighty power struggle between Christian Europe and the formidable Muslim Ottoman Empire that lasted for over 4 centuries.
In Ottomans vs. Christians presenter Julian Davison takes us on a journey across the Mediterranean and back in time to a world of magnificent galleys laden with riches and mercilesspirates who prowled the waters, of spectacular battles and bloodied acts of treachery and revenge. Our journey takes us to some of the most extraordinary destinations in the Mediterranean to relive some the most dramatic and critical moments of this legendary clash of civilisations and experience its rich and varied legacy.
In Episode One Julian visits Istanbul, the gateway between East and West and former epicenter of the Ottoman Empire where he explores the inner workings of the Ottoman system, the secrets of its invincible army and navy, and the intrigues and power games of the Sultan's private world inside the imperial Topkopi Palace. He samples the beer of Ottoman warriors before setting sail for the legendary island of Rhodes, a former stronghold of the Christian Crusaders known as the Knights of St. John who dared to take on the full might of the Ottoman military machine and survived.
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