The Chilling Story of Gozo’s Forgotten Invasion

GOZO, MALTA: It sounds like a ghost story, but it really happened. One quiet summer’s day in 1551, something terrifying took place on the peaceful island of Gozo. Nearly the entire population was taken away, and most of them were never seen again.

Here’s what went down.

A fleet of ships from the Ottoman Empire showed up near Gozo. They were led by a feared pirate named Dragut, one of the most dangerous raiders in the Mediterranean. When the people of Gozo saw the ships, they ran to the island’s main fortress, the Cittadella, hoping to be safe.

But the fortress could not hold out forever. After just a few days, Dragut and his men broke in. Then came the worst part – the invaders captured almost every person on the island, around 5,000 to 6,000 people, and forced them onto ships.

They were taken away to be sold as slaves. Only a few ever made it back home.

It was one of the saddest days in Gozo’s history, and it changed the island forever. For years after, Gozo felt empty, almost like a ghost island. Slowly, people began to return, and the island came back to life.

Today, Gozo is calm and beautiful once again. But if you walk near the old Cittadella, you might just feel the echoes of that dark day in 1551.

#MaltaDaily