The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 was a pivotal event where the Knights Hospitaller successfully defended the island against the Ottoman Empire. Lasting from May to September, the siege saw approximately 40,000 Ottoman troops, led by Grand Admiral Mustafa Pasha, besiege around 6,000 defenders, including knights, soldiers, and Maltese civilians, under the leadership of Grand Master Jean de Valette. The Knights' fortifications and resistance, coupled with timely reinforcements from Europe, thwarted repeated Ottoman assaults, despite their overwhelming numbers. The Ottoman forces eventually withdrew, marking a significant Christian victory against the expanding Ottoman Empire and ensuring Malta remained a stronghold of Western Europe in the Mediterranean.

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