Changes

Forces of the Ottoman Empire occupied the city and slaughtered some 800 locals who refused to convert to Islam.<ref> Howard, Douglas A., [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521727308/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521727308&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=9bddcab4f5f4d4d03525ca01580f5cbe A History of the Ottoman Empire]. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017) p, 113</ref> Many feared that Southern Italy and even Rome would fall. However, the city was later recaptured by a coalition of Christian forces. The invasion of Otranto showed the weakness of the Italian city-states and especially the kingdom of Naples. The Ottomans' fear persuaded many Italians in the 16th century to accept the rule of either French or Spanish monarchs, as they could better protect Italy from the seemingly invincible Muslim Empire. However, the Ottomans focused on Vienna's capture and their battle with the Safavid Empire, which spared Italy from a further invasion.

<div class="portal" style='float:right; width:35%'>

====Related Articles====

{{#dpl:category=Renaissance History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=9}}