On May 3, 1481 CE, an earthquake struck the island of Rhodes, a major stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller. The quake caused significant damage to the city and its fortifications. This event was a major challenge for the Knights, who were already under threat from the Ottoman Empire. The earthquake is documented in the chronicles of the Order and is a notable event in the history of the island.

The 1481 earthquake is mentioned in the chronicles of the Knights Hospitaller and in contemporary historical accounts. The event contributed to the narrative of the Knights' struggle against both natural and human adversaries, a theme that appears in the epic and historical literature of the period. The earthquake is part of the rich historical tapestry of the Mediterranean, which has inspired countless poets and writers.