Knightsof
of Malta
Malta
Knights
The knights of
Malta were first
called
St. John’s
knights; when
they settled in
the island of
Rodi they took
the name of
Rodi’s knights.
In 1530 they
were defeated
by Soliman the
Great and they
had to leave
Rodi.
Some years later
Emperor Charles V
gave the Order
permission to settle
on the island of
Malta. In 1565 led
by ‘Grand Master’
Friar Jean de la
Valette ( who gave
the name to the
capital of Malta) the
knights defeated
the Turks.
Five major orders were
formed in the Holy Land
between the late 11th century
and the early 12th century:
the Knights of the Holy
Sepulchre (about 1099). It
traces its roots to
Duke Godfrey of Bouillon,
principal leader of the First
Crusade.
Templar Knights(about1118),
Godfrey of Bouillon
Knight of San Lazarus
Hospitaller Knights(about1099) Teutonic Knights or Knights of the
Hospital of St Mary of Jerusalem
The knight was
one of the three
types of
fighting men
during the
middle ages:
Knights, Foot
Soldiers, and
Archers.
He was
covered in
multiple layers
of armour.
Knights were
also generally
the wealthiest
of the three
types of
soldiers.
It was terribly expensive to
be a knight. The war horse
alone could cost the
equivalent of a small
airplane. Armour, shields,
and weapons were also very
expensive. Becoming a
knight was part of the feudal
agreement. In return for
military service, the knight
received a fief. In the late
middle ages, many
prospective knights began to
pay "shield money" to their
lord so that they wouldn't
have to serve in the king's
army. The money was then
used to create a professional
army that was paid and
supported by the king. When
they captured a city, they
were allowed to ransack it,
stealing goods and
valuables.