If you like history, you'll love this place. Its position at the hub of ancient trading routes meant that nearly every
great civilization in the history of the world has left its mark here - the Phoenicians, the Arabs, the Romans, the
Byzantines, the Ottoman Turks, the crusader Knights, the French and the British. It was the Knights of the Order of
St. John however, who left a lasting impact on the island.
WITH THE OLDEST STONE TEMPLES IN THE WORLD
The story of the Maltese islands goes back to pre-history when, it is often believed, these formed part of a land
bridge that joined Europe to North Africa. Its strategic position at the hub of ancient trading routes meant that
nearly every great civilization has had a desire to conquer this Island. Malta hosts the oldest known structures in
the world (older than the Pyramids), with megalithic temples that date back as far as 3800 BC.
Maltese ancestry is riddled with influences from the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Normans, Spanish and
French. The British were the last to leave and in 1964 Malta became independent.
Malta's main occupying force were by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In exchange for the mere rental of two
Maltese falcons a year, the island was given to the Knights by the King of Spain. You might recognize the Maltese
Cross (used by St. John's Ambulance), which is the insignia of the Knights of Malta. Known throughout the world for
their bravery, 700 knights and 8000 Maltese (with a little help from their Sicilian friends), managed to withstand an
invasion of 30,000 Turks. The Knights and the Maltese were hailed as the saviors of Europe. Rejoicing in their victory,
they were given money
and expert advice towards the building of the Fortress City of 
Valetta
(Malta's capital),
magnificent churches and lavish palaces.
TEXAS Chapter, Knights of St. John of Jerusalem
© 2003-2007, Mexican National Catholic Church, MNCC - Official web site
This site was last updated 05/06/08