Marcus Bull

2 months ago | literaryreview.co.uk | Marcus Bull

It remains an extraordinary story. On 18 May 1565, a vast Ottoman armada appeared off the shores of Malta. It comprised some 130 galleys, with at least sixty other vessels in tow. On board were perhaps 25,000 soldiers. Another five thousand or so corsairs would join forces with them later. The Maltese archipelago was held by the Order of St John, also known as the Hospitallers, founded in the Holy Land in the 11th century.

Jan 5, 2025 | theoldie.co.uk | David Horspool |Marcus Bull

The Great Siege of 1565 was a crucial clash of religions and empires In around December 1564, Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire for more than 40 years, issued a decree. ‘I intend to conquer the island of Malta and I have appointed Mustafa Pasha as commander of the campaign. The island of Malta is a headquarters for infidels.’ What the Sultan wanted, the Sultan got.