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.
1600
Knights of St John
Golden Age of the Knights
The Knights built hospitals, palaces, churches, and fortifications across the island, commissioning works by Caravaggio and other masters.
1798
French & British Colonial Period
Napoleon Takes Malta
Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta in 1798 during his Egyptian campaign, ending the Knights' rule after 268 years.
1798 - 1800
French & British Colonial Period
Maltese Rebellion Against French
The Maltese people rebelled against French rule, forcing the French to retreat into Fort Saint Elmo. The population asked Great Britain for help.
1800 - 1964
French & British Colonial Period
Malta in the British Empire
In 1800, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire as a protectorate. Under the terms of the 1802 Treaty of Amiens with France, Britain was supposed to evacuate the island, but failed to keep this obligation – one of several mutual cases of non-adherence to the treaty, which eventually led to its collapse and the resumption of war between the two countries.
