Battle of the Bosporus

Battle of the Bosporus
Part of the War of the Straits
Constantinople and its surroundings during the Byzantine period
Date 13 February 1352 Location Bosporus 41°03′N 29°02.30′E / 41.050°N 29.03833°E / 41.050; 29.03833 Result Tactical draw; Genoese strategic success
Belligerents
Republic of Venice Crown of Aragon Byzantine Empire	Republic of Genoa
Commanders and leaders
Niccolò Pisani Pancrazio Giustinian  † Pons di Santapau [ca] Constantine Tarchaneiotes	Paganino Doria
Strength
89 or 90 galleys	60 or 64 galleys
Casualties and losses
23 galleys	16 galleys

The Battle of the Bosporus or Bosphorus took place on 13 February 1352 during the War of the Straits, between the fleet of the Republic of Genoa on one side and an allied fleet of the Republic of Venice, Kingdom of Aragon, and Byzantine Empire on the other. The battle was begun late during the day and was fought largely during the night in the narrows of the Bosporus amidst a storm, resulting in a confused fight with high casualties on both sides. The Genoese were left as the victors, having suffered fewer casualties and remaining in place while the allies withdrew. The battle forced the Byzantine emperor John VI Kantakouzenos to come to terms with Genoa, exiting the war and confirming the de facto independence of the Genoese colony of Galata from the Byzantine Empire.