Siege of Rhodes
- When
- 1522–1523
- Where
- Rhodes
- Episodes
- 2
In 1522, the Ottoman Empire launched a second and successful siege of Rhodes to expel the Knights of St. John. Following a five-month campaign, the island capitulated, and Suleiman I permitted the Knights to depart.
Episodes
- Arrival of the Ottoman Fleet
The Ottoman invasion force arrived at Rhodes on 26 June 1522, initiating the second siege.
- Final Negotiations and Surrender
After a failed truce in December 1522, the Knights evacuated Rhodes on 1 January 1523.
Background and detail
Background. The 1522 siege was the second Ottoman attempt to secure the Eastern Mediterranean after an unsuccessful assault in 1480. Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, elected in 1521, anticipated the attack and strengthened fortifications while calling for reinforcements from across Europe.
The Campaign. A Turkish invasion force of 400 ships arrived on 26 June 1522 under Çoban Mustafa Pasha. The Ottomans employed mining under the walls, with suggestions that miners may have utilized ancient Hellenistic culverts. After a five-month siege, Rhodes capitulated, and Suleiman allowed the Knights to depart.
Conclusion. Negotiations during a truce in early December failed when locals demanded safety assurances, prompting resumed bombardment. On 1 January 1523, the remaining knights marched out in battle armour with banners flying. The siege ended in Ottoman victory.
People involved
- Suleiman I · Ottoman Sultan
- Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam · Grand Master of the Order
- Çoban Mustafa Pasha · Commander of the invasion force
Sources
- Siege of Rhodes (1522) Wikipedia
- Suleiman the Magnificent Wikipedia
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