1555Jul, 2
Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis sacks the Italian city of Paola.
Dragut (Turkish: Turgut Reis) (1485 – 23 June 1565), known as "The Drawn Sword of Islam", was a Muslim Ottoman naval commander, governor, and noble, of Turkish or Greek descent. Under his command, the Ottoman Empire's maritime power was extended across North Africa. Recognized for his military genius, and as being among "the most dangerous" of corsairs, Dragut has been referred to as "the greatest pirate warrior of all time", "undoubtedly the most able of all the Turkish leaders", and "the uncrowned king of the Mediterranean". He was described by a French admiral as "A living chart of the Mediterranean, skillful enough on land to be compared to the finest generals of the time. No one was more worthy than he to bear the name of king".In addition to serving as Admiral and Corsair in the Ottoman Empire's Navy under Suleiman the Magnificent, Dragut was also appointed Bey of Algiers and Djerba, Beylerbey of the Mediterranean, as well as Bey, and subsequently Pasha, of Tripoli. While serving as Pasha of Tripoli, Dragut constructed great feats in the city, making it one of the most impressive to behold along all the North African Coast.
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Events on 1555
- 22Jan
Taungoo Dynasty
The Ava Kingdom falls to the Taungoo Dynasty in what is now Burma. - 9Feb
Burned at the stake
Bishop of Gloucester John Hooper is burned at the stake. - 18Jul
Mary I of England
The College of Arms is reincorporated by Royal charter signed by Queen Mary I of England and King Philip II of Spain. - 1Nov
France Antarctique
French Huguenots establish the France Antarctique colony in present-day Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.