In 1480 Memet the Conqueror launched the most audacious expedition of his leadership.
He sent an army under the Grand Admiral of the Ottman Navy, Gedik Ahmet Pashato Southern Italy to capture Otranto.
The army moved inland towards Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce, but Duke Ferrante of Naples led a counterattack.
The army was pushed back to Otranto and majority of the Ottoman Army sailed away.
However, they left a group of troops stationed at Otranto whilst the Greek Island of Rhodes was being captured.
When the Island of Rhodes was abandoned, the Ottomans returned and continued fighting well into 1481.
The occupation of Italian lands so close to the main altar of Christiandom caused a great level of concern and panic.
Blame was shifted around in Italy. Venice people were acused of doing nothing and even accused of helping the Ottomans.
In spite of the retention of Rhodes, fear of the Ottomans was now at the highest.
Mehmet the Conqueror himself was said to be coming to Italy and the Pope considered fleeing to Avignon.
Instead he asked for assistance. But what saved Italy from the Ottomans was only the eventual death of Mehmet in 1481.
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