Siege of Rhodes (1480) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Rhodes
Part of the Ottoman wars in Europe
The 1480 siege of Rhodes. Neapolitan ships in the forefront, and Turkish camp in the background.
Date 23 May – 17 August 1480 (2 months, 3 weeks and 4 days) Location Rhodes Result Knights Hospitaller victory
Belligerents
Ottoman Empire	Knights Hospitaller
Commanders and leaders
Mesih Pasha	Pierre d'Aubusson Antoine d'Aubusson
Strength
70,000 men 100 or 160 ships Probably between 10,000 and 15,000 men Not more than 20,000 3,000 janissaries	500+ knights 2,000+ soldiers Probably numbered about 3,500 men or 300+ knights 300 sergeants, 3,000-4,000 soldiers.
Casualties and losses
9,000 killed and 15,000 wounded	Few

In 1480, a powerful army from the Ottoman Empire tried to capture the island of Rhodes. However, the small group of defenders, known as the Knights Hospitaller, bravely fought back and managed to protect their home. This event was a big moment in history, showing how a smaller force could stand strong against a much larger one.

The Ottoman Attack on Rhodes

On May 23, 1480, a huge Ottoman fleet arrived near Rhodes. There were 160 ships and about 70,000 soldiers. Their leader was a commander named Mesih Pasha. The Knights Hospitaller, who were defending Rhodes, were led by their Grand Master, Pierre d'Aubusson.

First Battle: St. Nicholas Tower

The Ottomans first aimed to capture the Tower of St. Nicholas. This tower was very important because it guarded the two main harbors of Rhodes: Mandraki and Akandia. The Turkish army used their cannons to constantly blast the tower.

Starting from June 9, Ottoman soldiers launched many attacks on the tower. Grand Master d'Aubusson himself rushed to help the defenders. After a very tough fight, the Knights pushed the enemy back.

Second Battle: The Eastern Wall

The Ottomans then attacked a different part of the city wall. This was near the Jewish quarter, on the eastern side, which was a weaker spot. The Knights and the people of Rhodes quickly dug a new ditch inside the wall. They also built new defenses while the Turkish cannons kept firing.

Once again, the Knights defended the city with all their might. It was a very fierce battle, and many soldiers on both sides were hurt or killed. But the danger was stopped again.

Final Push and Victory

On July 27, at dawn, the Turkish army launched a massive attack. About 2,500 of their best soldiers, called Janissaries, managed to break through the "Tower of Italy" and enter the city. A wild and desperate fight began inside the walls.

Grand Master d'Aubusson, even though he was wounded five times, kept leading the battle. He fought with a spear in his hand. After three hours of intense fighting, the Ottoman soldiers were defeated. The few who were left started to retreat.

The Knights then counter-attacked, chasing the Turks away in a messy retreat. They even reached the tent of the Ottoman commander, Mesih Pasha. There, they captured many valuable things, including the holy flag of Islam. On that day, between three and four thousand Turkish soldiers were killed.

On August 17, 1480, the Ottoman fleet finally gave up and sailed away from Rhodes. Sultan Mehmed II, the leader of the Ottoman Empire, was very angry about this loss. He planned to attack Rhodes again, but he died in 1481. This stopped any immediate new attempts. However, years later, in 1521-1522, the Ottomans did return and successfully captured Rhodes.

Images for kids

• 

  This is a large cannon, called a bombard-mortar, used by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem in Rhodes around 1480-1500. It was made at the request of Grand Master Pierre d'Aubusson and fired heavy granite balls. It was used to defend the walls from close range.

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  A view of Rhodes about 10 years after the 1480 siege.

See also

• Our Lady of Philermos