Great Siege of Malta

The Great Siege of Malta took place in 1565 when the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the strategically important island of Malta, held by the Knights of St. John. The siege lasted about four months, with a force of around 40,000 Ottoman soldiers facing approximately 9,000 defenders. The Knights, led by their Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, put up a fierce resistance. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the defenders' determination and strategic use of fortifications ultimately led to the Ottoman withdrawal, marking a significant victory for Christendom and shifting the balance of power in the Mediterranean.