Knights of Malta: The Real Game of Thrones

The Knights of St. John (Knights of Malta) weren't just boring monks. They were the original European elite force. They were rich, dangerous, and they transformed this rock into a powerhouse.

The Great Siege (1565)

The defining moment. 500 Knights and a few thousand Maltese held off 40,000 Ottoman Turks for months. It was a bloodbath. When the Turks finally left, Europe hailed Malta as its savior.

What They Built

They gave us Valletta, the first planned city in Europe since Roman times. They built the massive fortifications you see everywhere. They built hospitals that were centuries ahead of their time (they used silver plates for hygiene!).

To understand the Knights, visit the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta. The Armoury is full of their gear. These guys meant business.