The Secret History of the Knights of Malta
Uncovering Their Influence Through the Ages
The Knights of Malta, also known historically as the Knights Hospitaller, began as a religious order founded in Jerusalem around 1099, originally focused on caring for pilgrims regardless of their faith. Their story spans centuries, shaped by military service, religious mission, and complex diplomacy across Europe and the Mediterranean.
The secret history of the Knights of Malta reveals a blend of myth, strategic influence, and actual events that shaped their rise from humble hospital caregivers to a powerful sovereign order. Their enduring legacy includes involvement in major historical conflicts, control over significant territories, and ongoing speculation about their inner workings and hidden roles.
Understanding the history of the Knights of Malta provides insight into why they have remained the subject of fascination, mystery, and sometimes controversy for hundreds of years. The details behind their evolution, beliefs, and organization continue to attract curiosity and debate among historians and the public alike.
Origins and Foundation of the Knights of Malta
Founded as a response to the needs of pilgrims in the Holy Land, the Knights of Malta began as a religious and charitable order. Over time, their mission evolved, and major events led to their shifts in geography and purpose.
The Order of St. John and the Knights Hospitaller
The origin of the Knights of Malta can be traced to the establishment of the Order of St. John, also known as the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. Formed in the 11th century, it started with a hospital in Jerusalem serving Christian, Muslim, and Jewish pilgrims alike.
Initially, the organization was wholly devoted to providing care and hospitality, not military work. Members were known as the Knights Hospitaller for their commitment to healing and sheltering travelers.
By the late 11th and early 12th centuries, the order received recognition from the Pope and was granted independence from local church authorities. The group gradually took on a military role, defending Christian interests during the Crusades while retaining its religious character.
Key facts:
Founder: Gerard Thom
Initial location: Jerusalem
Focus: Medical care, charity
Early Years in Jerusalem and the Holy Land
While Jerusalem was under Christian rule, the Order flourished. Its hospital became a critical institution, and the Knights Hospitaller built a reputation for organization and discipline.
As warfare in the Holy Land intensified, the order adapted. They participated in defending Christian territories, earning respect for their discipline in battle as well as their ongoing medical work.
When Jerusalem fell to Muslim forces in 1187, the Knights Hospitaller relocated to Acre, maintaining their influence and structure. They continued to offer medical services and military defense there until Acre’s capture in 1291, which led to the order seeking a new home.
List of early locations:
Jerusalem
Acre
Cyprus (temporary shelter after Acre)
Transition to Rhodes and Malta
Following the loss of their territories in the Holy Land, the Knights sought a lasting base. In 1310, they conquered Rhodes, transforming it into a fortified stronghold that remained under their control for over two centuries.
During their time on Rhodes, the order became an effective naval force, protecting Christian shipping interests in the eastern Mediterranean. Internal structure and hierarchy became more defined during this period, with leadership centered around a Grand Master.
Ottoman expansion forced the Knights from Rhodes in 1522. After several years, Emperor Charles V granted them the islands of Malta in 1530. In Malta, the order rebuilt its power, fortifying the island and taking on a crucial military role in resisting Ottoman advances in the region.
Structure and Hierarchy of the Order
The Knights of Malta organized themselves with a disciplined leadership structure and a clearly defined system of ranks and membership rites. Their distinctive framework balanced religious obligations with military efficiency, shaping the Order’s identity over centuries.
Grand Master and Key Leadership Roles
At the summit of the hierarchy stands the Grand Master, elected for life by the Council. The Grand Master acts as both the spiritual leader and the chief executive, overseeing religious, diplomatic, and military affairs.
Key leadership roles support the Grand Master. The Sovereign Council functions as an executive body, including the Grand Commander, Grand Chancellor, Grand Hospitaller, and Receiver of the Common Treasure. Each of these positions manages vital aspects such as charitable work, finances, and international relations.
Leadership decisions follow established protocols. Election processes involve secret ballots and require consensus among senior members. This structure ensures stability and consistent direction for the Order’s initiatives.
Priory, Commandery, and Organization
The Order is divided geographically and administratively into priories and commanderies. A Priory typically oversees several commanderies and coordinates large-scale efforts, often spanning entire regions or countries.
Commander, or Commandery, supervises a specific locality and answers to the Priory. Each unit organizes its own operations in charity, defense, and internal governance while adhering to the Order’s statutes.
Below is a simplified list of organizational structure:
Grand Master
Oversees: Entire Order
Roles Involved: Supreme oversight
Priory
Oversees: Multiple Commanderies
Roles Involved: Regional leadership
Commandery
Oversees: Local Districts
Roles Involved: Local administration
This clear structure enables efficient coordination and the capacity to respond rapidly to emerging needs.
Knighthood, Chivalry, and Membership Rites
Membership in the Knights of Malta is divided into distinct classes. Prospective members, often called Soldiers of the Cross, must undergo a rigorous process of preparation and examination, sometimes conducted in a dedicated preparation room.
Knighthood is conferred through ceremonial rites that emphasize chivalry, loyalty to the Catholic faith, and commitment to the Order’s values. The process includes a symbolic examination, testing knowledge of the Order’s principles and history.
The ceremony often includes oaths of service, investiture with insignia, and induction into one of the three main classes. These rites reinforce a sense of belonging and the enduring legacy of the Knights of Malta.
Symbols and Insignia of the Knights of Malta
Distinctive symbols have set the Knights of Malta apart for centuries. Their insignia, especially the Maltese Cross, regalia, and ceremonial uniforms indicate rank and purpose while highlighting the order’s tradition of chivalry and service.
The Maltese Cross and Its Significance
The most recognizable symbol of the Knights of Malta is the Maltese Cross. This eight-pointed white cross has four V-shaped arms and is typically displayed on a red field.
Each of the eight points is often said to represent the eight beatitudes or virtues such as loyalty, mercy, and courage. The cross is not just decorative; it visually identifies the order and is used on flags, state emblems, and uniforms.
The state flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta features a white Latin cross on a red background, while the flag for the order’s works uses the Maltese Cross. Over time, the cross has also served as a badge of honor and is a key element in official ceremonies.
Regalia, Uniforms, and Badges
Knights and officials of the order wear distinctive uniforms marked by insignia that indicate their status or role within the organization. The traditional habit is black, decorated with a large white Maltese Cross on the left side.
Badges and medals containing the Maltese Cross are awarded for service or achievement. Senior members may wear sashes and stars on ceremonial occasions, reflecting their rank within the order.
In historical contexts, passwords and secret grips helped the order identify members, especially when serving as guards or sentinels. Modern ceremonies still highlight these traditions, blending the symbolic with practical means of recognition among initiated knights.
Role in the Crusades and Defense of Christianity
The Knights of Malta, originally known as the Knights Hospitaller, played key military and humanitarian roles from the early Crusades into the era of conflicts against the Ottoman Empire and Barbary corsairs. Their mission focused on protecting Christian interests, caring for the sick and poor, and defending Mediterranean strongholds.
The First Crusade and Hospital Work
The order began as a hospital in Jerusalem around the time of the First Crusade (1096–1099), providing medical care and shelter to Christian pilgrims.
They operated a large, well-organized hospital that served not only knights but also ordinary travelers, adopting both medical innovation and strict discipline. This focus on care set them apart from purely martial orders.
Once the First Crusade succeeded in capturing Jerusalem, the Knights evolved into a military order while maintaining their hospital services. Their commitment included distributing food, caring for the wounded, and offering sanctuary during times of conflict.
By the early 12th century, they were a dual-purpose force: caring for Christian pilgrims and participating in the defense of Crusader states.
Sieges of Rhodes and Malta
Forced from the Holy Land after the fall of Jerusalem and Acre, the Knights established themselves on the island of Rhodes in 1310.
Rhodes became a vital base for defending Christian shipping and staging operations against Muslim powers. They fortified the island, repelling multiple sieges by the Mamluks and later the Ottomans.
After the fall of Rhodes to the Ottoman Empire in 1522, the Knights moved to Malta. In 1565, they famously withstood the Great Siege of Malta against a much larger Ottoman force, preserving Christian control in the central Mediterranean.
Key outcomes from these sieges:
Rhodes (1522)
Adversary: Ottoman Empire
Result: Knights expelled
Malta (1565)
Adversary: Ottoman Empire
Result: Knights held the island
Battles Against the Ottoman Empire and Barbary Corsairs
From Malta, the Knights became a major naval power confronting both the Ottoman Empire and Barbary corsairs preying on Christian shipping.
They organized regular naval patrols, fighting in skirmishes to protect Christian pilgrims and trade routes. Their ships—galleys armed with cannon—captured or destroyed many corsair vessels and disrupted Ottoman supply lines in the central Mediterranean.
The Knights fortified Malta with extensive defenses to deter invasion and to serve as a base for launching their own raids. Their continuous naval actions helped to restrain both Ottoman expansion and corsair piracy until well into the 18th century.
Relations With Other Orders and Powers
The Knights of Malta have built a unique position through their alliances and rivalries with powerful groups throughout history. Their interactions with military, religious, and fraternal orders have shaped their identity and status today.
Connections to the Knights Templar
The Knights of Malta and the Knights Templar shared origins as military religious orders during the Crusades. Both were established to protect Christian interests in the Holy Land and quickly gained international influence.
When the Templar Order was dissolved in 1312, some of their property and wealth reportedly passed to the Knights Hospitaller, later known as the Order of Malta. This transfer strengthened the Order of Malta's resources and reputation.
Despite similarities, the two groups were distinct. The Templars disappeared after intense persecution, while the Order of Malta continued under papal protection and evolved politically.
Legends and conspiracy theories often link the groups, but there is limited direct evidence beyond certain property transfers and shared crusading history.
Links to Freemasonry and Modern Myths
Freemasonry and the Knights of Malta have frequently been connected in popular culture and conspiracy theories. In reality, the Order of Malta is a Catholic order with no formal relationship to mainstream Freemasonry.
Similar symbols, such as the Maltese cross, and overlapping concepts of chivalry have fueled speculation. However, these connections are mostly superficial and not based on organizational ties.
Some Masonic ritual groups, like the Order of Knights Templar within Freemasonry, borrow names and motifs from the historic orders. This creates confusion but does not reflect direct lineage or cooperation.
Modern myths sometimes claim clandestine influence or hidden alliances, but historians regard these ideas as unfounded.
Relationship With the Catholic Church and Papacy
The Order of Malta has been closely tied to the Catholic Church since its founding. Its sovereign status is unique, combining religious mission with diplomatic engagement.
Papal approval solidified the Order’s legitimacy. Over the centuries, popes—such as Pope Pius XII—supported its humanitarian and defense activities. The order’s Grand Master is still required to be a professed Catholic and must receive papal confirmation.
Tensions have sometimes arisen over internal governance and reform. Yet the Order remains under the guidance and authority of the Holy See, preserving its special place in Catholic and world affairs.
Political Influence and Key Historical Figures
Throughout their history, the Knights of Malta have shaped and been shaped by powerful rulers and world events. Their political alliances and the individuals connected to the order played critical roles during turning points in Europe and beyond.
Charles V and the Granting of Malta
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, played a defining role in the survival of the Knights during the early 16th century. After the Knights lost Rhodes to the Ottoman Empire in 1522, they were left without a base.
In 1530, Charles V granted the island of Malta to the Knights in a fief, allowing them to continue their military and hospitaller activities. The handover came with strict conditions: they owed an annual tribute—a single Maltese falcon to the Emperor.
This grant significantly strengthened the Knights, enabling them to build formidable defenses and develop Valletta into a fortified city. The strategic location of Malta helped halt Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean and reinforced Charles V’s influence in the region.
Napoleon and the Fall of Malta
Malta’s strategic value attracted the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte during his campaign to Egypt in 1798. The Knights faced internal divisions and were not prepared for an aggressive military assault.
Napoleon’s fleet arrived in June 1798. Within days, he forced the surrender of the Knights, who lacked both manpower and the will to resist. Napoleon abolished the Order’s sovereignty over Malta, confiscating their property and expelling the Knights.
This marked the end of the Knights' rule over Malta. The seizure was a turning point, as it stripped the Order of its territorial base and reduced its military and political power. Malta would become a key naval base for the British shortly after.
Notable Modern Members and Connections
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Order of Malta shed much of its direct political power but maintained influential connections, especially among political and religious elites.
Notable figures have reportedly included statesmen such as former US President George H. W. Bush. European royalty, including various princes, have also held membership or close association. These connections often foster diplomatic links and mutual support between the Order and global institutions.
Though claims of secretive global influence frequently surface in media and conspiracy theories, most evidence points to humanitarian, diplomatic, and charitable activities as the modern Order’s main focus. The Knights continue to cultivate relationships with world leaders, leveraging their historic legacy and respected status.
Daily Life, Rituals, and Duties of the Knights
Knights of Malta balanced military, religious, and charitable obligations. Their everyday routines were structured, combining faith, discipline, and a strong sense of community.
Duties and Responsibilities
Knights of Malta were entrusted with both defending their territories and managing hospitals. Their main duty was to protect Christian pilgrims, especially in the Holy Land, and to ensure the safety of the sick and needy under their care.
In their hospitals, knights organized the distribution of food, medicine, and clothing. They supervised lay staff, oversaw medical treatments, and maintained strict hygienic standards. Security was also paramount, as many knights stood guard at gates or accompanied groups of pilgrims.
Besides military service and medical care, members attended regular council meetings and participated in the administration of the Order’s estates. The everyday schedule reflected a blend of chivalric and monastic rules.
Key duties included:
Guarding and escorting pilgrims
Supervising hospital operations
Managing resources and property
Participating in community governance
Spiritual Practices and Prayers
A core principle of the Knights’ daily life was devotion to Almighty God. Members gathered for communal prayers multiple times a day, reciting set texts from Scripture and the Order’s own liturgy.
Mass attendance was mandatory, and knights observed the sacraments regularly. Before meals and significant duties, prayers and blessings were customary. Repentance, humility, and faith were emphasized in both private and communal worship.
Special religious rituals accompanied admissions into the Order, including vows to uphold Christian values and serve the sick and poor. Members devoted time to personal meditation and reflection, guided by chaplains who offered instruction and spiritual support.
Spiritual routine highlights:
Daily Mass and common prayers
Reading and reflection on scripture
Regular confession and observance of holy days
Training, Preparation, and Companionship
Training prepared the knights for both battlefield and hospital service. Martial instruction included swordsmanship, horsemanship, and defense tactics. New knights learned discipline through drills and physical exercise.
Medical training involved learning the basics of care and assistance, working closely with experienced brothers and hospital staff. Many knights gained practical knowledge by assisting surgeons or organizing supplies.
Companionship played a central role. Knights lived in close quarters, fostering a sense of loyalty and brotherhood. Meals, duties, and recreation were shared, with experienced members mentoring newcomers. This structure promoted unity and ensured the continual transfer of skills and values.
Aspects of preparation and communal life:
Weapons and defense drills
Medical instruction and hospital work
Shared meals and mutual support
Mentoring relationships among companions
The Legacy and Sovereign Status of the Modern Order
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta continues to play a unique role in international relations, humanitarian aid, and European heritage. Its influence extends from its historic seat in Malta to diplomatic missions around the world.
Sovereign Military Order of Malta Today
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), sometimes simply called the Order of Malta, is recognized as a sovereign entity without its own territory. It maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries and has permanent observer status at the United Nations.
The Order’s government is based in Rome, on the Aventine Hill, and includes a Grand Master and a sovereign council. The Order issues its own passports, stamps, and coins, reinforcing its unique legal status.
Although no longer based in Malta, the SMOM preserves its original constitutional structure. It is not a state in the traditional sense but holds sovereignty recognized by many international organizations and states.
Humanitarian Mission and United Nations Presence
Today, the Order of Malta focuses primarily on humanitarian and medical relief, especially in impoverished and crisis-stricken regions of the world, including parts of Africa and the Mediterranean.
The Order runs hospitals, mobile medical units, and disaster relief programs in over 120 countries. Their medical missions reach conflict zones, refugee camps, and communities affected by natural disasters.
Its observer status at the United Nations allows the Order to advocate for humanitarian issues on a global stage. The Order cooperates with various UN agencies, bringing medical aid and logistical support where it is needed most.
Influence on Malta, Valetta, and Europe
Valetta, the capital of modern Malta, remains shaped by the architectural and cultural legacy of the Knights. The Order’s impact is evident in the city’s forts, churches, and grid-like streets designed after the Great Siege of 1565.
Remnants of the Order’s influence persist across the Mediterranean, especially in Melita (the ancient name for Malta), and can be felt as far as Edinburgh where knights sought refuge or established priories.
Throughout Europe, their history is woven into alliances, military history, and cultural symbols. Despite their expulsion by Napoleon, the Order’s reputation continues to be felt in religious, cultural, and diplomatic circles.
Secrets, Conspiracies, and Cultural Impact
Controversies and theories have often surrounded the Knights of Malta due to their historical secrecy and political connections. Their legacy also extends into books and media, shaping public perceptions far beyond their religious and military origins.
Rumors of Espionage and the CIA
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, sometimes called the Knights of Malta, has repeatedly attracted attention from conspiracy theorists. Some have linked the Order to espionage, especially due to its diplomatic status and historical access to sensitive regions.
During the 20th century, several prominent members reportedly held dual roles in intelligence circles. Connections between the Knights and individuals involved with the CIA have fueled speculation. A few lists circulated in alternative media claim that former CIA directors and advisors attended receptions or even became honorary members, though evidence remains mostly anecdotal.
Inspections and rituals at the Order’s headquarters add to its mystique. The preparation room—used for private ceremonies—remains off-limits to most outsiders, which adds to stories of covert decision-making. The office of the Captain General, responsible for security, has itself drawn attention due to its guarded role within the organization.
Legends, Literature, and Popular Culture
The Knights’ image has been shaped as much by myth as by fact. Legends link them to hidden treasures, secret alliances, and power struggles across Europe and the Mediterranean. These tales have inspired documentaries, novels, and films.
Writers and filmmakers often embellish the Order’s real history, focusing on supposed secrets or secretive headquarters in Rome. Stories sometimes connect the Knights to infamous events such as political assassinations or global conspiracies, blending rumor with reality.
Their prominent role in defense, charity, and diplomacy has led to portrayals as both heroes and shadowy figures. The organization frequently appears in fictional works involving codes, clandestine meetings, and mysterious rituals, cementing its place in popular culture.
