Sack of Vieste
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The sack of Vieste was led by Dragut and took place on the 15th of July in 1554.[8] This sack resulted in the capture of the fortress, a massacre and the enslavement of thousands.
Sack of Vieste | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Kingdom of Naples | Ottoman Empire | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Dragut | |||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | 60[7] or 70 galleys[8] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Heavy losses 5,000 - 7,000 enslaved 5,000 beheaded | Unknown |
On July 15 in the year of 1554 Dragut landed in Vieste with 60 or 70 galleys. Upon his arrival, the inhabitants of Vieste took shelter between a cathedral and castle, which they had barricaded. The Italians negotiated a surrender and delivered gold and silver, hoping it would be enough to save Vieste.[8]
They opened the doors on the 24th of July and the Turks entered and began sacking the town. The archpriest of Vieste and his family were taken captive and ransomed.[9]
5,000 to 7,000 inhabitants were enslaved and Dragut ordered the beheading of everyone he was unable to carry off in slavery resulting in 5,000 beheaded.[6][4][5] One source claims the entire population of Vieste was beheaded and this event has been described as a massacre.[4][10] Another raid occurred in Naples the same year where Algerians took 7,000 slaves.[3]