Malta 1565: The Battle That Changed Mediterranean History Forever - Ottoman History DOCUMENTARY

In 1565, the Ottoman Empire launched one of history's most brutal sieges against the tiny island of Malta. 40,000 Ottoman soldiers under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent faced just 700 Knights Hospitaller and a handful of Maltese defenders in a battle that would decide the fate of Christian Europe. This is the story of the Great Siege of Malta — a 4-month nightmare of relentless bombardment, desperate last stands, and impossible odds. When the Ottoman forces landed in May 1565, victory seemed certain. But what followed shocked the world. Fort St. Elmo, meant to fall in days, held for 31 bloody days and cost the Ottomans 8,000 lives and their greatest naval commander, Dragut. As the siege dragged on, starvation, disease, and constant assaults pushed both sides to the breaking point. By September, 25,000 Ottoman soldiers lay dead, and fewer than 1,000 defenders survived. Discover how Jean de la Valette's leadership, strategic brilliance, and unbreakable will turned Malta into the graveyard of Ottoman ambitions — and prevented the invasion of Italy and Rome itself. 🎬 A full documentary covering: The Ottoman invasion strategy and military strength The fatal mistake at Fort St. Elmo Daily life and horrors inside the besieged fortifications The role of Dragut, Mustafa Pasha, and Jean de la Valette The Spanish relief force and the Ottoman retreat The lasting impact on European and Ottoman history 📚 If you love epic siege warfare, underdog victories, and pivotal moments in history, this is the story for you. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more forgotten battles and turning points that shaped our world #GreatSiegeOfMalta #OttomanEmpire #KnightsHospitaller #MedievalHistory #SiegeWarfare #Malta1565 #JeanDelaValette #SuleimanTheMagnificent #HistoryDocumentary #MilitaryHistory