THE HOSPITALLER KNIGHTS OF SAINT JOHN AT RHODES 1306-1522

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First of a series of volumes on the Hospitaller Knights of Saint John, this volume covers the rise of the Hospitaller Knights from monastic origins to military prowess, shedding light on their pivotal role in Crusades and Mediterranean power dynamics. Draws on the work of the Order's official historians, Giacomo Bosio and his successor Bartolomeo dal Pozzo. Transcribes their writings for the modern reader, while also presenting new information revealed in the 400 years of scholarship since Bosio's death in 1627.

This volume opens with Hospitaller relocation from Cyprus to Rhodes during the years 1306 to 1309 while introducing other entities wielding power in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Mamluk Egypt, Turkish beyliks emerging from disintegration of the Seljuk Empire, the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire, Cyprus itself, and not least, the Republic of Venice controlling most Aegean islands. Brings to light the contributions of Hospital leaders (Grand Masters) as well as of lieutenants, allies and opponents, including those of Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, who became Grand Master in 1521.