The Fascinating History of the Knights Hospitaler of Malta

TLDRThe Sovereign Military Order of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaler, is a 970-year-old country with no territory. They had control over Rhodes, Tripoli, and eventually settled in Malta after their victory over the Ottomans in 1565.

Key insights

🌍The Knights Hospitaler is one of the oldest continuously existing countries in the world with over 970 years of history.

⚔️They started as a hospital caring for pilgrims and evolved into a military order defending Christian territories in the Holy Land.

🏰After being driven out of Jerusalem, they settled in Rhodes and later in Malta, where they established a sovereign state.

🏰The order was known for their military prowess, as seen in their successful defense against the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

🌍Despite not having any territory today, the Knights Hospitaler still exist as a sovereign entity with a membership of around 13,500.

Q&A

How did the Knights Hospitaler start?

—The order started as a hospital caring for pilgrims in Jerusalem in 1048, and it later evolved into a military order.

Where did the Knights Hospitaler settle?

—After being driven out of Jerusalem, they settled in Rhodes and later in Malta.

What was their most famous military victory?

—Their most famous military victory was the successful defense against the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

Do the Knights Hospitaler still exist today?

—Yes, they still exist as a sovereign entity, but they do not have any territory today.

How many members are there in the Knights Hospitaler?

—The order currently has a membership of around 13,500.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaler, is a country with a fascinating history.

02:32The order started as a hospital caring for pilgrims in Jerusalem in 1048 and later became a military order.

06:01After being driven out of Jerusalem, they settled in Rhodes and later in Malta.

09:04The order is known for their military prowess, especially for their successful defense against the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

12:12Despite not having any territory today, the Knights Hospitaler still exist as a sovereign entity with a membership of around 13,500.

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