The Siege of Malta, 1565. Ottoman Power Halted in its Tracks. Muslim Invasion of the Central and Western Mediterranean Sea Ends, Forever.

The triumph of the Knights of Malta shattered the momentum of Sultan Suleiman’s ambitions, halting the Ottoman drive for total dominance over the Mediterranean. Though his empire still loomed over the region, the siege had exposed its vulnerabilities. That dream of turning the sea into an Ottoman stronghold lingered for a few more years, only to be obliterated in full at Lepanto, where the Christian fleets delivered the final, decisive blow.

Malta. May 21 - September 8, 1565.
Maltese Forces: 700 Knights of Malta with 8,500 Maltese Men-at-Arms
Islamic Ottoman Army: ~ 32,000 soldiers.
Islamic Ottoman Navy: 185 Ships, comprising of ~ 130 galleys and ~ 30 Galliots.

Additional Reading and Episode Research:

• Sire, H.J.A. The Knights of Malta.
• Balbi Translation: Correggio, Balbi di. The Siege of Malta.
• Hoppen, Alison. The Fortification of Malta by the Order of St. John.

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