Between Privateering and Guerre d’escadre: The duke of Osuna’s naval policy, 1611–1620

Between 1611 and 1620, the duke of Osuna, viceroy of Sicily and later Naples, influenced Spanish naval policy in the Mediterranean. Transitioning from privateering focused on Ottoman trade routes, he initiated joint maritime warfare targeting Venice. Utilizing Sicilian and Neapolitan naval resources, Osuna expanded his fleet of galleys with sailing warships, reflecting broader Mediterranean trends. His early campaigns against the Ottomans yielded mixed results but highlighted his commitment to combining privateering with broader strategic ambitions. In Naples Osuna developed a formidable naval force, blending galleys with modern galleons sourced from Naples, Ragusa and the Netherlands. These ships were pivotal in his Adriatic campaigns, challenging Venetian dominance. Despite initial successes, including battles that showcased the potential of sailing warships, logistical and political challenges undermined his plans. The changing priorities of the Spanish crown and international tensi...