Past Matters: A Brief History of The Order Hospitaller

Описание: The Knights Hospitaller were one of the most famous and influential military orders in the Middle Ages. They were also known as the Knights of the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, or simply the Hospitallers. But who were they, and what did they do?

The Hospitallers originated from a humble group of volunteers who ran a hospice in Jerusalem to care for sick and poor pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The hospice was founded by merchants from Amalfi, Italy, in 1070 CE, and was dedicated to John the Baptist. The head of the hospice, Blessed Gerard, became the first master of the order in 1113 CE, when Pope Paschal II recognized it as a religious order.

The Hospitallers soon expanded their mission to include defending the Holy Land from Muslim invaders. They became a military order under the leadership of Raymond du Puy in 1120 CE, and received lands, castles, and donations from kings and nobles. They fought bravely in many battles and sieges during the Crusades, such as the Battle of Hattin in 1187 CE, where they lost Jerusalem to Saladin.

The Hospitallers did not give up their cause after losing Jerusalem. They moved their headquarters to various locations, such as Cyprus, Rhodes, Malta, and Saint Petersburg. They continued to fight against the enemies of Christendom, such as the Ottoman Turks, the Barbary pirates, and Napoleon Bonaparte. They also maintained their charitable work by running hospitals, hospices, and schools throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Hospitallers were identified by their distinctive white eight-pointed cross on a black or red background. The cross symbolized their eight obligations: to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof of humility, love justice, be merciful, be sincere and whole-hearted, and endure persecution. The Hospitallers were also known for their strict discipline, their loyalty to the pope, and their courage in battle.

The Hospitallers still exist today in various forms and names, such as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Order of Saint John, and the St John Ambulance. They continue to uphold their ideals of serving God and humanity through humanitarian aid, medical care, and social work.

If you want to learn more about the Knights Hospitaller and their fascinating history, watch this video and check out these sources:
Knights Hospitaller - Wikipedia
Who were the Knights Hospitaller - Live Science
Knights Hospitaller - World History Encyclopedia
The Knights Hospitallers: Courageous Crusaders of Many Names, Homes, and Roles - Ancient-Origins