War, virtue, corruption, adventure-the history of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller has it all.
The Hospitallers started out as caretakers of the Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem, but they soon emerged from their hospices and adopted a new military role that shaped the history of medieval Europe forever. This book seeks to explore the curious rise of the Hospitallers from their humble origins to one of the most powerful institutions in medieval Europe.
Throughout their existence, the Hospitallers have managed to develop a renowned military tradition. At first, they just defended the traveling pilgrims to the Holy Land and provided them care in their hospices, but later on, thanks to their prowess and professionalism, the Hospitallers became a respected and feared military order that fought for Christendom.
After countless challenges, formidable foes, and internal and external threats, the Knights Hospitaller managed to survive against all odds and still exists today. They have adapted their role to modern times but never lost their true identity and mission.
Here's a glimpse of what you will find in this book:
- An in-depth history of the rise of the Knights Hospitaller
- The development of Hospitaller institutions, bureaucratic structures, and roles
- Hospitaller involvement in the events of the Levant during the Crusades
- A deep dive into the military activities of the order, including the famous battles of La Forbie, Arsuf, Cresson, Ascalon, Rhodes, and many more
- A look at the greatest grand masters of the order and how they shaped the order's history
- The transformation of the order into the Knights of Malta and their clashes with the Ottoman Empire, including the great siege of Malta, which is largely considered to be one of the most famous sieges of the Renaissance
- And much, much more!
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