This week in Christian history: ACNA founded, Father Francis dies, Knights Hospitaller lose Fort St. Elmo

Knights Hospitaller lose Fort St. Elmo – June 23, 1565

This week marks the anniversary of when the Christian military order known as the Knights Hospitaller lost control of Fort St. Elmo to Islamic Turkish forces, following a month-long siege.

In May 1565, the Ottoman Empire invaded the island of Malta as part of its ongoing conquests in the Mediterranean world, first laying siege to the fortress, which lay near a major harbor entrance.

Despite having vastly superior numbers, the Ottomans suffered heavy losses during their attacks on Fort St. Elmo. When they finally took the stronghold, nearly every defender was killed.

Ultimately, the Christian forces on Malta successfully held off the Ottoman invasion, prompting the Turkish Muslims to withdraw from the island later that year.

“The invasion had failed, and the Maltese received the admiration of Christian Europe and funds to build stronger defenses,” noted Britannica.

“For the Ottomans, this was their worst reversal in more than a century, and it gave Christian Europe hope that Turkish expansion could be halted.”