In 1480 the small Knights Hospitaller garrison of Rhodes (Greek Island) withstood an attack of the Ottoman Empire. On May 23rd, 1480 an Ottoman fleet of 160 ships appeared before Rhodes. The Ottomans first strategic goal was to capture the Tower of St Nicholas, which was the knights key-point in the defense of the two harbors. The Turkish artillery kept up an unbroken bombardment and on June 9th the infantry made a series of attacks. Grand Master d'Aubusson sped to the aid of the garrison and after a fierce struggle the enemy was repelled. Shortly after came a second attack on the tower, this time on the eastern sector of the wall towards the bay of Akandia. Once again the Knights reacted valiantly and decisively and after a bitter battle with many casualties on both sides, the danger was once more averted.