# The Great Siege of Malta 1565: The Battle That Saved Europe

An episode of [The Story of Malta: The Fortress Island of the Mediterranean — Fexingo History](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1895465859), 7 Aug 2026, 6:38.

Audio: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/the-story-of-malta/episode-0193.mp3

In 1565, the Ottoman Empire launched a massive invasion of Malta, determined to crush the Knights of St. John and open the way to Italy. Led by the aged Grand Master Jean de Valette, a small garrison of Knights and Maltese defenders held out against overwhelming odds in the Great Siege. This episode of The Story of Malta follows the siege day by day: the brutal fight for Fort Saint Elmo, the death of the legendary corsair Dragut, the heroic defence of Birgu and Senglea, and the final relief by the Grand Commander of Sicily. We explore the weapons, tactics, and personalities — from the Ottoman commander Mustafa Pasha to the slave who swam to warn the Knights — and consider what might have happened if the Ottomans had won. A story of endurance, sacrifice, and a turning point in Mediterranean history. #GreatSiege1565 #JeanDeValette #KnightsOfStJohn #OttomanEmpire #FortSaintElmo #Dragut #MustafaPasha #MaltaHistory #MediterraneanHistory #SuleimanTheMagnificent #Birgu #Senglea #MalteseHistory #NavalWarfare #16thCentury #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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