ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Hospitaller Period in Malta

The period known as the "Hospitaller Malta" or "Knights' Period" refers to the time when the Knightly Kingdom of Malta existed from 1530 to 1806. This era was marked by significant events, including the establishment of a de facto state on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo.

In 1548, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, elevated the town of Heitersheim in the Holy Roman Empire to the status of a principality, granting the Order of St. John formal control over the fief. This marked an important milestone for the Hospitallers, who had been present on Malta since 1530.

During this period, the Hospitaller Order played a crucial role in defending the Mediterranean against Muslim threats, particularly from the Barbary pirates. In 1551, Ottoman forces attempted to take over Fort Saint Angelo and Mdina but were outnumbered by the Turks. The Hospitallers continued their actions against the Muslims, with notable successes including the capture of Tripoli in August 1551.

The Order soon began to mint its own coins as it settled on Malta, further solidifying its presence in the region. In 1565, a siege was laid upon Malta by the Ottoman Empire, but the Hospitallers decided to establish themselves permanently and began constructing a new capital, La Valeta.

For the next two centuries, Malta experienced a golden age characterized by artistic flourishing, architectural development, and social improvement. The island became an important center for trade and commerce in the Mediterranean.

However, the period came to an abrupt end with Napoleon's invasion of Malta in 1798, which led to the expulsion of the Order from the islands. Despite attempts to regain control through treaties such as the Treaty of Amiens (1802) and the Treaty of Paris (1814), the Hospitallers remained under British protection.

The History of the Order of St John of Jerusalem

The Order of St John of Jerusalem, also known as the Hospitaller Order or simply the Hospitallers, has a rich history dating back to around 1100 in Jerusalem. Initially appearing shortly after the first Crusade, the order played a significant role alongside the Templars in defending the Latin States of the Holy Land.

After the eviction of the Crusaders from the Holy Land in 1291, the Order settled on Cyprus and then Rhodes (1310),