A "Multiethnic" War

Throughout the lengthy siege of Chandax, the Venetians made systematic use of mercenary forces from other countries, often seeking military support from other European powers. From 1650 onwards, European state interest in the course of the war was expressed in concrete action. Spain undertook to supply the town with grain, also sending eight of its warships with significant financial assistance. Over the coming years other European countries were to follow this lead, despite not wishing to bring about a permanent rupture in ties with the Ottoman Empire. Their assistance was thus often insufficient, so as not to upset finely balanced diplomatic relations. The French and German presence was of particular importance in the last two years of the siege.

Likewise, the Turks made use of soldiers drawn from the entire expanse of their vast empire. The Ottoman army laying siege to the town included soldiers of differing descent, language and even religion, thus lending the war a "multiethnic" flavour.