The Maltese islands had been completely Christianized by the fifteenth century, and had just been freed from feudalism in 1426.

At this time, Malta has a population of about sixteen thousand to eighteen thousand people.

Malta's defense consists of an Aragonese army, as well as three hundred Maltese Dejma soldiers.

In September 1429, an army of about eighteen thousand Hafsid Saracens led by Kaid Ridavan arrive in Malta from Tunisia.

They want to capture the islands as a post for further conquests.

The Hafsids first attack the capital city of Mdina.

More soldiers are rallied and about four thousand men take up arms against the Hafsid invaders After three days of fierce fighting, the Saracens leave the city, looting the other towns on the way.