The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

Suleiman died a year after the Siege, and his son was not as powerful as his father to lead another major attack on Malta. In 1571, the Ottomans suffered another major defeat in the sea battle of Lepanto.

The siege had shown how religion can be misused to fuel war, and how the desire for conquest can lead to atrocities and death. At least a third of the Knights and the local population were lost. It is not clear how many Turks died, but the numbers stated range from 25,000 to 30,000.

Although the balance of power in the Mediterranean was not altered significantly, the Ottoman Empire suffered one of the first major defeats. All of Europe recognised the heroism and sacrifice that the Knights and the Maltese had offered. Financial help also came from Europe for the rebuilding of the island.

On 1566, 28th March the foundation stone of the city of Valletta was laid on what had been one of the deadliest battlefields. During the Great Siege the transportation on the sea played a very fundamental role. The Grand Harbour configuration also influenced extensively the turnout of the siege.