Introduction
The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of Saint John, were a medieval military order that played a pivotal role during the Crusades and in the defence of Christian territories. Initially founded to care for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, the order evolved into a formidable military force. Known by various names, including the Knights of Rhodes and the Knights of Malta, their shifting strongholds throughout history reflect the order’s resilience and adaptability.
Origins and Early History
The origins of the Knights Hospitaller can be traced back to 600 AD, when Pope Gregory the Great commissioned Abbot Probus to establish a hospital in Jerusalem to care for Christian pilgrims. This mission was disrupted in 1005 when Jerusalem was taken by the Turcomans, leading to the massacre of 3,000 Christians and the destruction of the hospital. In 1023, Italian merchants were granted permission by the Caliph Ali az-Zahir of Egypt to rebuild the hospital. The new facility, managed by Benedictine monks, served as a refuge during the First Crusade. The monastic hospitaller order, formally founded by Blessed Gerard after the First Crusade, began to acquire land and revenues across the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Europe. Gerard’s successor, Raymond du Puy de Provence, expanded the order’s role by establishing a new hospital near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The Growth and Expansion of the Order
As the order grew, so did its responsibilities. Initially focused on caring for pilgrims, the Knights Hospitaller soon provided armed escorts to protect them on their journeys. This armed escort quickly developed into a substantial military force, with the order taking on the dual role of monk and knight. Members took monastic vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, along with a fourth vow to protect pilgrims and fight the infidels.
The order became renowned for its military prowess, building and defending castles across the Holy Land. One such stronghold was Krak des Chevaliers in Syria, considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, once described Krak des Chevaliers as “the most wholly admirable castle in the world.”
The Crusades and Key Battles
The Knights Hospitaller were deeply involved in some of the most significant battles of the Crusades. During the Siege of Ascalon in 1153, they played a crucial role in breaching the city’s walls, leading to its capture from the Fatimids. Their bravery and tactical prowess were vital in securing the southern coast of Palestine for the Crusaders. An account from the period, the De Expugnatione Terrae Sanctae per Saladinum (The Conquest of the Holy Land by Saladin), praises the Hospitallers, noting that “they fought with the strength of lions, bringing down the infidel defenses and securing a glorious victory for Christendom.”
In 1177, at the Battle of Montgisard, the Knights Hospitaller fought alongside King Baldwin IV, the “Leper King,” against the forces of Saladin. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Crusaders, bolstered by the Hospitallers’ charge, achieved a stunning victory. Chronicler William of Tyre recorded the event, describing how “the Hospitallers, with the Leper King at their head, charged with such force that the enemy ranks were shattered, and Saladin was forced to retreat in shame.”
The Siege of Acre (1189-1191) during the Third Crusade was another significant event in which the Knights Hospitaller played a crucial role. As one of the longest and most arduous sieges of the Crusades, Acre was a vital port city, and its capture was essential for maintaining Crusader states. The Hospitallers provided both medical care and fought bravely on the front lines throughout the nearly two-year siege. Norman poet Ambroise, who accompanied Richard the Lionheart, highlighted their contribution: “Through the long nights and bloody days, the Hospitallers, both with sword and salve, held firm their sacred duty.”
Belvoir Castle, also known as “Kokhav HaYarden,” was a major stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller in the Holy Land. Located on a strategic hill overlooking the Jordan Valley, the castle was subjected to multiple attacks by Muslim forces from 1180 to 1189. The Hospitallers’ defense of Belvoir became legendary, and the castle remained unconquered for many years, thanks to their determined defense and the castle’s strategic design. Ernoul, a squire who served under Balian of Ibelin, wrote of the castle: “The black-cross knights of Belvoir stood as an unyielding wall, repelling wave after wave of infidel attack, their bastion never faltering until the very end.”
However, the Battle of Hattin in 1187 marked a catastrophic defeat for the Crusader states and led to the fall of Jerusalem. The Knights Hospitaller, alongside the Knights Templar, fought valiantly but were outnumbered and outmaneuvered by Saladin’s forces. Despite their efforts, the Crusader army was decimated, and many knights, including those of the Hospitallers, were captured or killed. The Muslim chronicler Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, present with Saladin, recorded the aftermath: “The master of the Hospitallers was brought before Saladin, his defiance unwavering even in defeat. But the Sultan, knowing the peril they posed, ordered their swords be sheathed forever in death.”
In 1099, during the First Crusade, the Hospitallers were present at the capture of Jerusalem, though primarily as caretakers rather than warriors at that time. Their role in providing critical care to the wounded Crusaders helped stabilize the newly captured city. Fulcher of Chartres, a chronicler of the First Crusade, noted: “Amidst the bloodshed and chaos, the Hospitallers moved amongst the dying, bringing solace and healing in a city torn by holy war.”
The Knights Hospitaller and the Island of Rhodes
After the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1187 and the loss of Acre in 1291, the Knights Hospitaller sought refuge in the Kingdom of Cyprus. Under the leadership of Fulkes de Villaret, the order captured the island of Rhodes in 1309, establishing it as their new stronghold. From Rhodes, the Knights continued their military and naval operations, maintaining control over the Eastern Mediterranean.
One of the most dramatic episodes in the history of the Knights Hospitaller was the siege of Rhodes in 1522. The Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, launched a massive assault on the island, bringing an army of over 100,000 men to besiege the knights. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the 7,000 defenders of Rhodes, led by Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam, held out for six months. Ultimately, the knights were forced to surrender, but Suleiman allowed them to leave the island with their lives and honour intact—a testament to their bravery and the respect they commanded.
The Knights of Malta
After their expulsion from Rhodes, the Knights Hospitaller were granted the island of Malta by King Charles I of Spain and Pope Clement VII in 1530. From Malta, they continued their mission, now focused on fighting piracy in the Mediterranean. The order’s most famous moment came during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 when they successfully repelled an invasion by the Ottoman Empire. This victory was celebrated across Europe and solidified the knights’ reputation as defenders of Christendom.
Modern Legacy
The order’s fortunes waned after the rise of nation-states and the decline of the Ottoman threat. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta, forcing the knights into exile. The order eventually re-established itself in Rome in 1834, where it continues to exist today as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a humanitarian organization with diplomatic status.
Conclusion
The Knights Hospitaller were a unique order that combined religious devotion with military duty. Their legacy is marked by their valiant defense of Christian territories, their role in the Crusades, and their ability to adapt and survive through the centuries. Their story is one of dedication, bravery, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on history.