The Knights Hospitaller

The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of St. John, was a medieval Christian military order founded in the 11th century. Initially established to care for sick and injured pilgrims in Jerusalem, the order evolved into a military force tasked with defending Christians in the Holy Land. They became known for their distinctive black mantles emblazoned with a white cross. Over the centuries, they played significant roles in the Crusades and later established strongholds in Rhodes and Malta. Today, they focus on humanitarian work, continuing their legacy of care and service under the name of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.