The Knights of Cardone were a Medieval order of chivalry. They are noted for their role in the Siege of Negroponte (1470). Under the Venetian command of Admiral Pierre d'Aubusson the Knights of Cardone prepared for battle against Ottoman forces led by Mehmed II. Unfortunately Venetian General Nicolo da Canale lost his nerve and ordered d'Aubusson to retreat which resulted in the loss of Negroponte, and the island of Euboea. Subsequently, during the Siege of Rhodes (1480), d'Aubusson and his Knights successfully defended against another Ottoman attack by Mehmed II.