Great Siege of Malta 1565 - Ottoman Wars DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals・2 minutes read

Sultan Suleiman the First's battles against the Knights Hospitaller culminated in a confrontation in Malta in 1565, with the Ottomans ultimately retreating after suffering heavy losses and failing to capture the island. The Ottomans, led by Barbarossa, solidified dominance in the Mediterranean by capturing key cities and Christian strongholds, while Venice signed a peace treaty after losses weakened Emperor Charles V's position.

Insights

  • Sultan Suleiman the First engaged in decisive battles against the Knights Hospitaller, from seizing Rhodes in 1522 to the Malta conflict in 1565, showcasing the Ottoman Empire's strategic military prowess in the Mediterranean region.
  • The Ottoman Empire's maritime dominance under Barbarossa was solidified through capturing key territories and strongholds, leading to significant geopolitical shifts such as Venice signing a peace treaty, weakening Emperor Charles V's position, and subsequent military actions in North Africa.

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Recent questions

  • What was the outcome of the Ottoman assault on Malta in 1565?

    The Ottoman assault on Malta in 1565 resulted in heavy losses for both sides, with the Ottomans capturing St. Elmo but suffering significant casualties. Malta was saved from a full-scale invasion by a contingent of Spanish and knightly cavalry, causing the Ottomans to retreat back to their ships.

  • Who led the Algiers expedition of 1541 and what was its aim?

    The Algiers expedition of 1541 was led by Emperor Charles V and aimed to conquer the region. However, harsh weather conditions and Berber attacks forced a retreat, leading to the failure of the expedition.

  • What led to the weakening of Emperor Charles V's position in relation to the Ottomans?

    The weakening of Emperor Charles V's position in relation to the Ottomans was caused by Venice signing a peace treaty with the Ottomans after losses. Charles attempted to change sides but was refused, further diminishing his influence.

  • How did the Ottomans solidify their dominance in the Mediterranean?

    The Ottomans solidified their dominance in the Mediterranean, led by Barbarossa, by capturing cities in Montenegro and Christian strongholds in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. This expansion of territory strengthened their control over the region.

  • What prompted Sultan Suleiman to task Dragut with eradicating the Knights Hospitaller?

    Sultan Suleiman tasked Dragut with eradicating the Knights Hospitaller due to their activities against Ottoman interests. This led to conflicts in Gozo, Malta, and Tripoli as the Ottomans sought to eliminate the presence of the Knights in the Mediterranean.

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Summary

00:00

Ottoman-Venetian Conflict: Battles, Alliances, and Raids

  • Sultan Suleiman the First's reign was marked by his battles against the Knights Hospitaller, starting with the taking of Rhodes in 1522 and culminating in a confrontation in Malta in 1565.
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  • Ottoman dominance in the Mediterranean, led by Barbarossa, was solidified after capturing cities in Montenegro and Christian strongholds in the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
  • Venice signed a peace treaty with the Ottomans after losses, weakening Emperor Charles V's position, who then attempted to change sides but was refused.
  • Ottoman corsair navy under Ali Hamet raiding off the coast of Spain was destroyed near Albarran, prompting Charles to conquer North Africa.
  • The Algiers expedition of 1541 led by Charles aimed to conquer the region, but harsh weather conditions and Berber attacks forced a retreat.
  • Barbarossa's fleet assisted the French in raiding Italy in 1543, leading to the siege and sacking of Nice by the Allied forces.
  • Negotiations between Barbarossa and Andrea Doria led to the release of Dragut, ending hostilities between the Ottomans and Genoa.
  • The Knights Hospitaller's activities against Ottoman interests prompted Suleiman to task Dragut with eradicating their presence, leading to conflicts in Gozo, Malta, and Tripoli.
  • The Knights prepared diligently for the Ottoman assault on Malta in 1565, with La Valette bolstering defenses, gathering reinforcements, and engaging in piracy to thwart the Turks.

17:03

Siege of Malta: Ottoman Retreat and Victory

  • Jogurt was fatally injured in the Turkish trenches on June 17th, with conflicting reports on the cause - either friendly fire or a Maltese sharpshooter.
  • The Ottomans completed a bridge across the fortress ditch by June 22nd, allowing a direct assault on the walls by June 23rd, overwhelming the defenders with sheer numbers and sharpshooters.
  • The Ottomans captured St. Elmo after a three-week siege, but suffered heavy losses - over 6,000 men and half of their Janissary Corps, compared to 1,500 defenders slain.
  • Malta was saved from a full-scale invasion on August 7th by a contingent of 100 Spanish and knightly cavalry, causing the Ottomans to retreat back to their ships, with the final departure on September 13th after significant casualties on both sides.
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