Knights Hospitaller

The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, commonly known as the Knights Hospitaller, was a Catholic military order. It began in the 12th century in the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem to help care for sick and injured Christian pilgrims.

Over time, the group became powerful and fought in many battles to protect the Holy Land.

The Hospitallers started as a hospital run by merchants from Amalfi in Jerusalem. After the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade, the group grew and was officially recognized as an order by Pope Paschal II in 1113. They hired knights to defend the land.

When the Holy Land was taken back, the Knights moved to places like Rhodes and later Malta. They ruled these islands and protected them from attacks. Even today, several groups continue the traditions of the Knights Hospitaller, including the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and others across Europe.

History

Foundation and early history

In 603, a pope asked a church leader to build a hospital in Jerusalem to help Christian travelers. Later, a ruler added to the hospital. Years later, another ruler destroyed it.

Merchants from Italy were allowed to build a monastery in Jerusalem. They added hospitals to care for travelers. Over time, this group became known for helping everyone, rich or poor, and even started protecting travelers with armed guards. Eventually, they became a big group with soldiers, but they still helped people.

Knights of Cyprus and Rhodes

After losing their home in Jerusalem, the knights moved to Cyprus and later to Rhodes. On Rhodes, they became known as the Knights of Rhodes. They fought off attacks and protected travelers in the area.

Knights of Malta

In 1530, the knights moved to Malta. They turned the island into a strong place with big walls and built the city of Valletta. They helped the people of Malta and protected the area from attacks.

In 1565, they successfully defended Malta against a big attack, which made them very famous. After that, they built more hospitals and schools on the island.

17th century

In the 1600s, the knights started focusing more on protecting ships in the Mediterranean Sea. They fought against pirates and helped Christian ships. However, some knights began to live for adventure and money rather than their original purpose of helping and protecting.

Turmoil in Europe

During a big change in Europe, the knights lost many of their homes in different countries. Some places took away their property, and the knights had to find new ways to survive.

Loss of Malta and decline

In 1798, a famous leader captured Malta from the knights. The knights had to leave and scatter. Some found shelter in Russia, where they continued their work in a smaller way. Over time, the knights became weaker, but they kept going as a group that helped people and followed their beliefs.

Successors of the Knights Hospitaller

Further information: Alliance of the Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem § The mutually-recognised Orders of Saint John

Many groups today carry on the work of the Knights Hospitaller. The best known is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which is based in Rome and recognized by over 100 countries. This order helps people in need, especially during wars and disasters.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Main article: Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a religious group that has been around for many years. It has its own passports, currency, and stamps. It works with many countries and groups around the world. The order runs hospitals and medical centers, and helps people who are poor, sick, elderly, disabled, or suffering from diseases. It also gives aid during conflicts and natural disasters.

Order of Saint John

Main articles: Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg), Order of Saint John in Sweden, and Order of Saint John in the Netherlands

During a time of big changes in Europe, some German groups kept the traditions of the Knights Hospitaller. These groups still exist today in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. They work together while keeping their own traditions.

Most Venerable Order of Saint John

Main article: Order of Saint John (chartered 1888)

In England, a new group was formed in the 1800s, now called the Most Venerable Order of Saint John. It received special approval from Queen Victoria and is known for its work in first aid and eye care. This group is open to people of all religions.

Hierarchy

Headquarters

The Knights Hospitaller had a clear leadership structure. The top leader was called the Grand Master. If the Grand Master was not available, the Grand Commander would take over. The Marshal was responsible for getting ready for battles, making sure the knights had armor, weapons, horses, and other war tools.

The main place where the leaders met was called the convent. Important people there included the seneschal, who helped the Grand Master; the marshal, who handled military matters; the preceptor, who managed supplies; and others like the hospitaller, who took care of the hospital, and the treasurer, who handled money.

Ranks

The earliest members of the Knights Hospitaller were called brothers. Over time, they organized into different groups. There were priest brothers, knight brothers, and sergeant brothers. Knights were full members of the Order by the 1140s. Sergeants were hired to help protect travelers at first but later became full members too.

Princes and Grand Masters

Main article: List of grand masters of the Knights Hospitaller

The Knights Hospitaller were knights who helped care for sick and injured people during the Crusades. They had leaders called Grand Masters who guided the group. These leaders changed over time as new people took on the role to help protect and support others.