The Knights of Malta Junior 2

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

2. Timeline of the Knights Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. A Fortified Island Ms Rosienne Farrugia - Junior 2

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