The Battle of Trapani took place on 23 June 1266 off Trapani, Sicily, between the fleets of the Republic of Genoa and the Republic of Venice, as part of the War of Saint Sabas (1256–1270). The two fleets met near Trapani in Sicily on 22 June. After learning of the Venetian fleet's smaller size, the Genoese war council resolved to attack, but during the night Genoese commander Lanfranco Borbonino reversed the decision and instead ordered his ships to take up a defensive position, bound together with chains, near the shore. As the Venetian fleet attacked the next day, many of the Genoese crews, mostly hired foreigners, lost heart and abandoned their ships. The battle was a Venetian victory, as they sank or captured the entire Genoese fleet. On their return to Genoa, Borbonino and most of his captains were tried and fined large sums for cowardice. Genoa continued the war, in which neither side was able to gain a decisive advantage, until it was ended through French mediation in 1270. ( Full article... )
June 23 : Grand Duke's Official Birthday in Luxembourg
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Arctocephalus pusillus , the Cape fur seal, is a species in the family Otariidae, the eared seals. The species is found along the coasts of southern Africa and southeastern Australia and is the largest of the fur seals, with adult males growing up to 2.3 metres (7.5 ft) in length and females somewhat smaller. Males are dark grey to brown with a darker mane, while females are lighter in colour and pups are born black. The species breeds in large colonies on rocky islands, reefs and coastal outcrops, where females give birth to a single pup. Cape fur seals feed mainly on fish, squid and other marine animals, and are preyed upon mainly by great white sharks and orcas. It is classified as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This Cape fur seal was photographed hauling out at the Hippolyte Rocks off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. Photograph credit: JJ Harrison Recently featured: |