Ottomans Invade Cyprus

August 1, 1570

A massive Ottoman force landed on Cyprus and besieged Nicosia, which fell within weeks with tremendous slaughter. Famagusta would hold out until the following August. Venice, which had ruled the island for almost a century, lost its most lucrative eastern Mediterranean colony and began begging for help. Famagusta's commander Bragadin was flayed alive after surrender, an atrocity that galvanized the Holy League alliance against the Ottomans.