From humble beginnings as a hospital brotherhood in Jerusalem to centuries of power in the Mediterranean, the Knights Hospitaller forged a legacy of faith, courage, and intellect that shaped history. This definitive account explores the Order's rise as warriors of Christendom, their fortress stronghold on Malta, and their role in defending Europe against Ottoman expansion and piracy. Matthew Taylor delves deep into their military campaigns, diplomatic maneuvers, scientific innovations, and cultural achievements, revealing a complex institution that balanced spiritual devotion with strategic genius.Richly detailed and meticulously researched, The Knights Hospitaller traces the Order's triumphs and trials, from the Great Siege of Rhodes to the arrival of Napoleon, and examines their enduring influence on medicine, architecture, and European politics. For readers fascinated by history, military strategy, and the interplay of faith and power, this book offers a comprehensive and compelling portrait of one of the most extraordinary organizations in Western history.
