Battle of the Great Siege

The Battle of the Great Siege (1565) was a conflict where Ottoman Turks attempted to capture the fortress of Malta from the Knights Hospitaller. The Ottomans besieged the island, which was strategically vital for controlling Mediterranean shipping. Despite being outnumbered, the defenders mounted a strong resistance aided by reinforcements and effective tactics. After several months, the Ottomans failed to break the defenses and eventually withdrew. The siege is significant for halting Ottoman expansion into Europe’s central Mediterranean and showcasing the resilience of the defenders, including the famous defense at Fort Saint Elmo and cooperation among European allies.