1) The document summarizes several key battles between the Ottoman Empire and Christian forces between 1522 and 1571, including the Siege of Rhodes where Suleiman took the island from the Knights of Rhodes, skirmishes between Suleiman and Charles V over territory, and the Siege of Malta where the Ottomans launched a surprise attack but were ultimately defeated. 2) It also discusses the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 where the larger Christian fleet defeated the Ottoman navy, securing Italy from a potential Ottoman takeover. 3) Internal politics played a role as well, as Suleiman had his Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha murdered due to a desire for more control over Venice.

1. The Battles of Empires of the Sea By: Kailin Bassett-Parkins

2. Siege of Rhodes Rhodes-only Christian island left Suleiman was new sultan of Ottoman throne Upset by the pirating and brutalities to his people caused by The Knights of Rhodes “had to legitimize his position as ‘Conqueror of the Lands of the Orient and the Occident’ by adding fresh territories to the world empire” (pg. 3-4) –so chose Rhodes to do so Sent two threatening letters of war to Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam, grand master of the Order of Saint John on Rhodes July 28, 1522 siege formally began-Ottomans attack being trench digging underneath the tall Rhodes walls-Rhodes using man named Tadini as their defense coach Suleiman wins-treaty signed on December 20 for official seizer

3. Anger was stirring between Suleiman and Charles V for power of the world 1532 Suleiman sent out a challenge to Charles V, who responded with acceptance of war Both parties prepared men to march to Denube for open-field battle Suleiman’s men got held up in central Hungary by rain and had to retreat once again from battle Both men took victories in their country, without a battle ever really taking place Suleiman Vs. Charles V

4. Venice remained neutral territory for 30 years, surrounded at land by Charles and sea by Suleiman Used Political powers to maintain neutrality-”the Venetians sent their top diplomats to Istanbul, where they kept a trained corps of Turkish speakers and cryptographers, who dispatched endless coded reports. (pg. 58)” Sent in Ibrahim Pasha, chief vizier and friend of Suleiman to talk to Suleiman Suleiman brutally murdered Ibrahim at a dinner he had invited him Ibrahim to at his own because he wanted control of Venice Marks the change in Suleiman’s ruling style Execution of Ibrahim Pasha March 5, 1536

5. Ottoman’s had their eye on seizing Fort St. Elmo because it was the middle of Malta and high elevation The launched a surprise attack with 48,000 troops, outnumbering the Knights and armed with firearms, brutally defeating and conquering St. Elmo Knights put up an equally brutal battle at Ft. St Michael and Mdlina and actually got the Ottoman’s to retreat after killing over half of their army Siege of Malta

6. The Ottoman war council met once again deiciding if they should go to war- some saying yes because the number of the Christians was very small and others saying no because they had also lost a lot of men and the conditions at sea were not right for battle It was a note from Ali that said he was fearing for his life from Istanbul that made them agree to go to war October 7,1571 both fleets set out to fight-Christian fleet being much bigger than the Ottomans thought-both thinking if they should retreat after seeing the fleets spread out over the water, but both stayed in for battle After one of the most gruesome and deathly battles that swayed both ways, the Christians took the victory securing Italy of a full take over by the Ottomans Battle of Lepanto