Military Orders
Hospitallers
The most important in Outremer
B. Beginnings
1. Merchants from Amalfi established the hospital in the mid-11thc, at a time when pilgrims were genuinely at risk.
2. The Order had daughter houses in Italy along the pilgrimage routes
3. Pope Paschal II recognized it as an Order in 1113.
C. Organization
1. The Grand Master
2. Knights
3. Lay brothers -- serfs of their lords
D. Height
1. Extent of their possessions in Outremer
a. Ascalon, Antioch, and the County of Tripoli, which was their center of power
b. Castles included Beth Gibelin, Belmont, Belvoir, Mt. Tabor and the most formidable Crusader castle -- Krak des Chevaliers
2. Their European holdings were extensive
3. They played a key role in all the battles of Outremer
4. The Order was a major political force, entering into most of the local rivalries and squabbles. It also did not hesitate to align with Moslem princes when such an alliance served the Order's interests.
5. Fierce rivalry with the Templars.
E. Later History
1. After the fall of Acre in 1291 they moved to Cyprus
2. In the early 14thc they moved to Rhodes
3. And finally to Malta, where the Knights of Malta still function