For reasons of safety, Djem is sent to Auvergne. Treated as a means of political pressure, Djem is claimed by Popes and Kings and strolls all over Europe as a prisoner, only to be found dead under mysterious circumstances in the camp of Charles VIII of France. Now, Bayazid feels free to start raids against Rhodos and the surrounding islands. In 1503, the victorious Grandmaster and Cardinal Pierre d’Aubusson dies. He has been the most popular Johannite leader, keeping his position longer than anyone else (27 years). His successor, the French Emery d’Amboise rules until 1512, when he dies, having, in the meantime, repulsed numerous raids of the Turkish fleet and captured many of the enemy’s ships. The Grandmasters who follow, try in vain to attract assistance from the West, which the international instability does not allow for.

Finally, Philippe Villiers de l’Isle Adam becomes Grandmaster, while, in 1520, Suleiman the Magnificent is crowned Sultan in Turkey. The Ottoman Empire, which, in the meantime, has restored its power, keeps friendly relationships with Venice, which, in turn, derives great profits. Now, the next aim is the occupation of Rhodos, so as the Knights’ ships won’t hinder the Turkish naval routes to Egypt and Syria, already ottoman provinces.

Rhodos is now isolated and unaided. The Knights are repairing the city walls, deepening the moat and storing food and military supplies.

The Second Siege

26th June 1522. The Turkish forces, under the commands of the vizier Mustafa Pasha, land on Rhodos 200,000 troops. Their ships are almost 400. On the other side, Rhodos is defended by a force of 6,000 to 7,500 men, only 290 of which are Knights, while the rest are mercenaries. Those villagers who have not taken refuge in the fortresses of Lindos, Monolithos and Faraclos flock into the city where they are used for auxiliary tasks during the siege. This time the Turks decide to attack from the side of land, while their fleet has blockaded the harbours. Both sides fight fiercely.