1530

Emperor Charles V of Spain grants the Maltese Islands to the Knights of  the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The Knights occupy the Islands making Bigu  (Modern Vittoriosa) their headquarters.

1565

The Great Siege of Malta

1566

The City of Valletta is founded

1571

The Maltese capital is formerly moved from Birgu to Valletta. A Christian fleet, assisted by the Knights, inflicts defeat on the Ottomans at Lepanto.

1676

Plague causes 8,569 deaths

1735 

Sicilian ports are closed to Maltese ships after the Grand Master Vilhena resists Charles VIII attempt to influence Maltese affairs.

Late 18th century

The Order becomes demilitarized and corrupted by wealth.

1792

The French National Assembly confiscates the Orders lands in France.

1798

Napoleon takes Malta and plunders the islands. The Order of St. John is ordered to leave the Island. The Maltese rise up against the French; helped by the British, they besiege the main French garrison.

1800

The French capitulate and the British occupy the Island

1802

The Treaty of Amiens stipulates that Malta should be returned to the Knights, but a powerful group of Maltese declares allegiance to Britain.

1813

Sir Thomas Maitland is appointed as the first British Governor of Malta. Extensive constitutional and administrative reforms are made.

1814

The Treaty of Paris formally recognizes Malta as a British Colony.

1848

The British Admiralty’s first dry dock opens on Malta

1853-6

During the Crimean War, Malta acts as a supply station for British forces

1869

The opening of the Suez Canal makes Malta an important port on the British route to India.

1914-18

World War I. Malta becomes `the nurse of the Mediterranean` providing 25,000 beds for the wounded

1921

Malta is granted self-government `in matters of local concirn`

1940

Italy enters World War II

1942

The Second Great Siege. Over 60,000 tons of bombs are dropped on Malta in April alone. On 15th April the George Cross is awarded to the Maltese people for their bravery during the air raids.. In August and September, the German and Italian forces suffer heavy losses over Malta and in October they concede defeat. The UK government announces a grant of 30million for the reconstruction for the reconstruction of the Island.

1962

The state of Malta formally comes into being with Dr. Borg Olivier as its first Prime minister.

1964

Malta is granted full independence within the British Commonwealth, though British Forces remain.

1974

Malta is declared a republic

1979

British forces finally leave Malta

1989

Presidents Bush and Gorbachov meet on a ship moored off Malta 

1990

Malta applies for full membership of the European Community

1996

Nationalists ousted by the Labor Party

1998

Nationalist Victory puts the island back on course to join the European Union.