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The Knight Period

The Knight Period in Malta

The Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, played a big part in Malta’s history. They arrived on the islands in 1530, given the land by Emperor Charles V of Spain in exchange for an annual payment of one falcon (Attard, 2006). Their time in Malta lasted for over 250 years, during which they transformed the islands into a stronghold of defence and culture.

The Knights and Their Mission

The Knights of St. John were originally a religious order that provided care for sick and injured pilgrims in the Holy Land. After losing their base in Rhodes, they needed a new home. Malta’s location in the Mediterranean made it a perfect place for their mission to protect Europe from Ottoman invasions (Cassar, 2012). The Knights turned Malta into a fortress, building strong walls and watchtowers to defend the islands.

Building Valletta

One of the Knights’ greatest achievements was building Valletta, Malta’s capital city. After a major battle called the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights decided to strengthen their defences. They planned Valletta to be a fortified city with straight streets, majestic buildings, and large bastions (Attard, 2006). The city became a centre of culture and trade, and many of its buildings still stand today.

Art and Culture

The Knights brought wealth and culture to Malta. They built grand churches, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is famous for its golden decorations and Caravaggio paintings (Cassar, 2012). The Knights also supported music, science, and education, helping Malta become an important cultural hub during their rule.

Defending Malta

The Knights’ military skills were tested many times, but their most famous victory was during the Great Siege of 1565. The Ottoman Empire sent a large army to capture Malta, but the Knights, along with the Maltese people, fought bravely and won (Attard, 2006). This victory made the Knights heroes across Europe and strengthened Malta’s reputation as a fortress island.

The End of the Knights’ Rule

In 1798, the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta, bringing an end to the Knights’ rule. Although their time in Malta was over, the Knights left behind a legacy of impressive architecture, art, and history that is still celebrated today (Cassar, 2012).

Learning from the Knights

The Knights of St. John turned Malta into a strong and vibrant place. Today, their buildings, art, and stories remind us of their courage, dedication, and impact on the island. By studying the Knights, we learn about a time when Malta was at the centre of important events in European history.

The Knights’ period in Malta shows how determination and teamwork can transform a small island into a symbol of strength and culture. Their legacy lives on, inspiring people to explore Malta’s rich and fascinating history.

References

Attard, M. (2006). The Knights of Malta: A Brief History. Progress Press.

Cassar, P. (2012). Fortresses and Faith: Malta’s History Under the Knights. Midsea Books.

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