1522
Knights of St John
Knights Expelled from Rhodes
In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knights from Rhodes. They dispersed across Europe and petitioned Charles V of Spain for new territory.
1530
Knights of St John
The Symbolic Falcon
The Knights were granted Malta by Charles V in exchange for the symbolic annual gift of a Maltese Falcon to the Spanish Crown.
1530
Knights of St John
Knights of St John Arrive
Holy Roman Emperor Charles V granted the Knights Hospitaller the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino in 1530, beginning a transformative era.
1565
Knights of St John
The Great Siege of Malta
One of the greatest achievements of the Knights was resisting the Great Siege of Malta, fighting off Ottoman troops who tried to invade with double the military might.
1566
Knights of St John
Valletta Founded
After the Great Siege victory, Grand Master Jean de la Valette founded the new fortified capital, named Valletta in his honour — today a UNESCO World Heritage city.
