On the 19th May 1565, the Maltese were subjected to a four month siege by the largest armada that had ever left the Bosporus. The Ottomans believed that control of this strategically important island was vital in their war against the Christian powers; and although they had a significant numerical advantage - 30,000 men against the defenders 700 knights and 9000 men - the Ottoman siege proved unsuccessful and that same year they withdrew from Malta.

During the siege several publishers issued broadsheet or 'news-maps' in order to feed the voracious public appetite for news on the siege's latest developments. One such publisher was Antonio Lafreri who issued several maps of the Island and of various stages of the siege - including the Ottomans' eventual retreat.