The Knights of St. John (1530-1798)

After the loss of Rhodes in 1522, the Knights of the Order of St. John were left without a home. In 1530, the Order accepted Charles V's offer to create their new base on Malta. The Knights initially did not think Malta was a good location, citing its rocky landscape and lack of fresh water.

The Knights quickly discovered the benefits of Malta, such as its fine harbours, which sheltered and protected their ships. The Order of St. John began playing an important role in Mediterranean politics during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The hospital of the Knights in Valletta was one of the best in Europe.

In 1565 Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. After several months the strength of the Knights and the Maltese population prevailed, and the Turks were defeated.

After the Great Siege of Malta in 1565,  the Knights built the city of Valletta. The Order fortified the islands extensively and eliminated the threat of Muslim raids. The Knights governed Malta until 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte took the island from Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch.

Find detailed chronology here: History 06