, Rhodes, 1480–1500. This is the largest known bombard in history. Founded at the request of Pierre d'Aubusson, the bombard was used for close defence of the walls (100–200 meters). It fired 260 kg
granite balls. The bombard weighs 3,325 kg.
Musée de l'Armée Sultan
Mehmed II began to threaten Europe. In May 1480 a large Ottoman fleet appeared before Rhodes, carrying an invading army of some 100,000 men under the command of
Mesih Pasha (originally a Greek by the name of Michael
Palaiologos who had converted to Islam after the
conquest of Constantinople by the Turks). The Knights were reinforced from France by 500 knights and 2000 soldiers under d'Aubusson's brother Antoine. The siege lasted until August. After three unsuccessful attempts against the city, the Turkish force was compelled to withdraw, leaving behind them 9000 dead. The siege, in which d'Aubusson was wounded three times, enhanced his renown throughout Europe. Sultan Mehmed was furious and would have attacked the island again but for his death in 1481. His succession was disputed between his sons
Bayezid and
Cem. The latter, after his defeat by Bayezid, sought refuge at Rhodes under a safe-conduct from the Grand Master and the General Convent of the Order. Rhodes not being considered secure, Cem with his own consent was sent to Bourganeuf in France where he was kept under the guard of
Guy de Blanchefort, Pierre d'Aubusson's nephew. Infuriated by the failure of Sir
James Keating, Prior of the Order's Irish house, to send any help in the Siege, d'Aubusson ordered his removal and replacement by Marmaduke Lumley. However, he had underestimated Keating, an exceptionally combative and often violent man. He resisted all efforts to remove him and threw Lumley into prison, where he died. Not until 1491 was Keating expelled by the
English Crown, which had grave suspicions about his loyalty. == Guarding Cem ==