Political and cultural consequences of the battle of Lepanto: Spanish literature

This article focuses on the important cultural consequences (and corresponding political implications) in Spain of the battle of Lepanto by way of an examination of the literary landscape generated by this historic event. On the premise that facts in themselves are equally as important as the way they are represented in society, it can be affirmed that Lepanto was exploited as a highly effective cultural tool both consciously and directly (through messages of propaganda) and, conversely, unconsciously and indirectly. Propaganda was not the main objective of the authors, who sought to involve readers by appealing to their tastes. This however advanced the development of a specific culture of war. Literature, therefore, in the particular case of Lepanto, became itself a historical agent with clear influences on public opinion.