The Fall of Chania
On 23rd June 1645 the Turkish fleet dropped anchor in Chania Bay. No resistance was encountered in landing a mighty army, which took up positions around the enceinte. From the very first day, the town came under systematic bombardment from land and sea, accompanied by frequent assaults on the walls. Since the Venetian fleet was unable to get supplies into the town, the plight of the besieged grew worse by the day. Serious damage was inflicted on the walls by continuous cannon fire, supplies ran out and casualties in the guard were not replaced. Rather than lose the city in an assault, the commanders chose to sue for peace, which was agreed by treaty on 22nd August 1645.


1645  |  1646  |  1648  |  1650  |  1666  |  1667  |  1669  |  1688
Copper engraving showing the Turkish siege of Chania, 1645 (Yiorgos I. Panayiotakis)
Drawing of Chania, 1688 (Olfert Dapper, Yiorgos I. Panayiotakis)
The siege of Chania. Having been under constant enemy fire for two months, the town finally surrendered on 22 August 1645 (Yiorgos I. Panayiotakis)
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