Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2 The Knights of Malta Junior 2 Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

Timeline of the Knights 1085 A community of monks was established in Jerusalem. These knights were responsible for looking after the sick in the Hospital of St. John. The monks later became a military order to help pilgrims who were travelling in the Holy Lands. 1530 The Knights came to Malta after the Turks sent them out of Rhodes. The Knights of Malta stayed on our island for 268 years. They built hospitals, watch towers, a capital city, and forts to protect the island. 1798 The Knights of Malta left our island after Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet attacked Malta. Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

Who were the Knights of Malta? They were originally a community of monks. Their job was to take care of the sick in the Hospital of St. John in Jerusalem. Later on they became a military order. They assisted pilgrims who travelled across the Holy Lands. Each knight came from noble and wealthy families. Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2 The Knights of St John The Knights of St John transformed our island into a fortified island with beautiful churches, an important hospital, fortified cities and port. The Knights of St John were ruled by a Grand Master. Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

Grand Master Jean de la Valette Jean de la Valette led the Great Siege of Malta. This siege took place in 1565 against the Turks. Our capital city Valletta was named after this Grand Master. 180 warships carrying about 30,000 men attacked our island. The Great Siege of Malta remains a very important event in our history. Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

How did the Knights change our island? The Knights of St John built: Watchtowers Forts Hospitals Churches Our capital city Valletta Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

The Great Siege of Malta 1565 Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

When did the Knights leave? On 9 June 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet attacked Malta. His might French army of 29,000 men defeated the Knights of St John. The knights left our island on June 12th. Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2 A Fortified Island Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

What have you learned about the history of our islands? Talk with your partner. Write and draw. What have you learned about the history of our islands? Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2