The Siege of Malta took place from May 18 to September 11, 1565, when the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the island of Malta, held by the Knights Hospitaller. The siege involved a large Ottoman force, estimated at around 40,000 soldiers, against a much smaller defending force of about 9,000 knights and local troops. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the defenders mounted a fierce resistance, utilizing their fortified positions and strategic defenses. The siege ended in a decisive victory for the Knights, marking a significant turning point in the struggle between the Ottomans and European powers in the Mediterranean.