Invasion of Corsica (1553)

Invasion of Corsica
Part of the Ottoman-Habsburg wars and the Italian War of 1551–1559

Historic map of Corsica by Piri Reis
Date1553–1559
Location
Result Ottomans and French temporarily occupy most of Corsica
Belligerents
 Republic of Genoa  Ottoman Empire
 France
 Corsicans
Commanders and leaders
Republic of Genoa Andrea Doria Ottoman Empire Turgut Reis
Kingdom of France Paul de Thermes
Kingdom of France Paulin de la Garde
Corsica Sampieru Corsu
Strength
Ottoman Empire 60 galleys
Kingdom of France 14 galleys

The Invasion of Corsica of 1553 occurred when French, Ottoman, and Corsican exile forces combined to capture the island of Corsica from the Republic of Genoa.[1]

The island had considerable strategic importance in the western Mediterranean, being at the heart of the Habsburg communication network and serving as a forced stopover for small boats sailing between Spain and Italy.[2]

The island had been administered since 1453 by the Genoese Bank of Saint George. The invasion of Corsica was accomplished for the benefit of France.[3]

  1. ^ Naval Policy and Strategy in the Mediterranean: Past, Present, and Future, John B. Hattendorf, p. 17 [1]
  2. ^ The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean world in the age of Philip II by Fernand Braudel p.929ff
  3. ^ The Cambridge History of Islam, p. 328

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