Ottoman invasion of Italy, 1480.
The Ottoman navy invaded the Italian coastal city of Otranto on this day (28 July 1480). The city was finally captured after a 15 day siege. This set out huge layer of panic throughout Italy and Europe as Rome was under threat. Emergency vacuation arrangements were even made in Rome for Pope Sixtus IV who called for a crusade to retake Otranto. After several failed attempts the Christians finally managed to take control of Otranto on 1 May 1481.
Fatih Sultan Mehmed II now planned to lead his forces to invade and conquer Italy but he passed away on 3 May 1481 before realizing this expedition. The Pape announced a three day celebration. Due to a succession crisis between his sons Bayezid II and Cem Sultan, reinforcements could not be sent to Italy and so the Ottoman forces eventually retreated. ✍🏻
