The Serenissima’s Cretan Swansong: the Loss of Souda (September 1715)

Abstract

This article aims to bring forward the events marking the final expulsion of Venice from its last holdings along the northern coast of Crete and most importantly from the fortress-islet of Souda, during the last war between the Republic and the Ottoman Empire (1714-1718). The narrative is based on manuscript source material, dating from the first quarter of the eighteenth century and contains an account and a description of the situation in Souda and its means of defence, on the eve of the Ottoman assault against it.1 It proceeds with a description of the action undertaken by the besiegers, and, also, a description of the harsh conditions inside the fortress. Follow the peace seeking contacts between the besieged and their besiegers and the fortress’s commanders’ disappointment at being left alone by the Venetian navy. The study ends with the articles of the fortress’s surrender to the Ottoman navy and army.