By Matija Šerić
Amid the medieval Crusades, on the muddy and blood-soaked battlefields of the Middle East, an unusual group of Catholic knights found their place. The Hospitallers—known in Croatian as ivanovci—were a knightly order whose value far exceeded that of ordinary soldiers fighting for Christianity with swords, armor, horses, and cannons. Originally founded as a brotherhood of caregivers, they transformed into fearless warriors while preserving their humanitarian mission. Named in honor of Saint John the Baptist, the ivanovci became a unique symbol of courage, loyalty, and military effectiveness.
Throughout the brutal battles for the Holy Land, especially towards the end of the Crusades, the Hospitallers left an indelible mark. Yet their story did not end with the fall of Acre in 1291 and the conclusion of the Crusades; the legendary knights found new ways to survive. They relocated to Greek islands, Malta, Russia, and across Europe, becoming distinguished humanitarians and steadfast witnesses to the Christian faith.
The Context of the 11th Century
To understand the rise and role of the Hospitallers, one must consider the social and political circumstances of the Mediterranean and the Middle East during the turbulent 11th century. Jerusalem—the holiest city of Christianity (and Judaism)—was under Muslim rule. During the 11th century, it was governed by the Fatimid dynasty, which controlled much of North Africa, Egypt, and the Levant. In 1071, after the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuk Turks took control of large parts of the Middle East, including Jerusalem. The Seljuks, a warlike people, established multiple sultanates in the former Abbasid territories. Jerusalem continued to attract large numbers of Christian pilgrims from Europe, who were exposed to bandits and disease during their long and dangerous journey.
Knights Hospitaller: Origins
The Founding of the Order
Around 1070, a group of merchants from the powerful maritime Republic of Amalfi in southern Italy established a hospice in Jerusalem dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Located near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it served as a refuge for sick and weary pilgrims, providing them with food and medical care. The institution was led by Gerard Thom—Blessed Gerard—a devout monk with strong organizational skills. Initially purely humanitarian, the hospice developed into a hospital, which would become the foundation of the Order of the Hospital of Saint John, later known as the Hospitallers. The order received its name because its institution was dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
When the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade, the Hospitaller hospital became a crucial center for caring for the wounded. During the campaign, some members took up arms and fought in the capture of Jerusalem. Blessed Gerard gained the trust of Crusader rulers, especially King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, who granted the order privileges and estates.
Recognition and Transformation
In February 1113, Pope Paschal II officially recognized the Hospitallers as an independent religious institution, freeing them from episcopal and secular authority and allowing them to elect their own Grand Master. This marked the beginning of their rise. Thanks to papal recognition, the Hospitallers became both a religious and a military order. Over time, they gained lands across Europe, as nobles and kings donated to the order in exchange for spiritual services and protection for pilgrims.
As Muslim powers continued to threaten Christian holdings in the Holy Land, the Hospitallers realized that their mission could no longer remain primarily humanitarian—they needed to devote themselves to military skill to protect Christian sacred sites. They organized large military convoys to protect pilgrims and defend Crusader strongholds. Their transformation from a charitable brotherhood into a military order was gradual but inevitable. Soon they became renowned for their bravery and discipline, forming one of the pillars of Crusader defense. Their exceptional adaptability laid the foundation for the order’s long and rich history.
The Crusades
The Knights of Saint John became one of the most prominent military orders during the Crusades. Facing constant threats from Muslim forces, the Hospitallers developed a strict hierarchical structure with disciplined soldiers and skilled strategists. The order was divided into knights, priests, and sergeants (caregivers). Upon joining, members took the three classical monastic vows: poverty, obedience, and chastity. They wore armor or monastic robes, covered by black or red mantles. A white cross—symbolizing devotion to their religious mission—stood prominently on their chests. It became a hallmark of the Hospitallers among numerous knightly orders.
They soon became known for their combat skill and loyalty, participating in key battles such as the Battle of Montgisard in 1177 and the Battle of Hattin in 1187. In many engagements, the Hospitallers fought alongside the Templars and other orders for the survival of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Crusader states.
Famous Fortresses
As the largest military order, the Hospitallers constructed or restored numerous fortresses. One of their greatest achievements was the mighty Krak des Chevaliers in modern-day Syria. Strategically located, the fortress served as both a military base and a symbol of discipline, organization, and architectural mastery. It was under Crusader control from 1142 to 1271.
Another major fortress was Montfort in Galilee, which served as a key defensive point during the Crusades. Elevated on a steep hill, it offered significant strategic advantage. The order controlled it from 1256 to 1271. The fortress of Acre (in modern Israel) was also under their authority from 1191 until its fall in 1291.
The Fall of Acre and Relocation to Cyprus
After Saladin captured Jerusalem in 1187, the Hospitallers retreated to Acre, the last major Crusader stronghold in Palestine. They defended it until 1291, when the city fell and the order was forced into exile. They temporarily settled on Cyprus under King Henry II, but the island proved politically unstable. The Hospitallers continued operating across Europe; in Croatia they founded their first monastery in Marča in the late 12th century. In 1312, they inherited Templar estates and moved their regional headquarters to Vrana near Zadar. Several Croatian priors played significant roles, including Ban Ivan of Paližna and Ban-Bishop Petar Berislavić. The order also fought the Ottoman Empire on Croatian soil.
5 Facts About the Knights Hospitaller
Rule on Rhodes
In 1309, led by Grand Master Fulk de Villaret, the Hospitallers seized Rhodes from the Byzantines. Strategically located in the eastern Mediterranean, the island allowed them to become a major naval power. They built strong fortifications and developed a powerful fleet that protected Christian shipping from Muslim pirates and the Ottomans. Their rule lasted over two centuries. In 1480, Sultan Mehmed II attacked the island, but the Hospitallers repelled the assault under Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson. In 1522, however, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent launched a massive siege with over 100,000 soldiers. After months of resistance, the Hospitallers were forced to capitulate but were granted safe passage. They left Rhodes in 1523.
Rule on Malta
After years of wandering, the order received Malta from Emperor Charles V in 1530, in exchange for an annual fee—one Maltese falcon. On Malta, the Hospitallers built a strong naval and military presence. Their greatest triumph came in 1565, during the Great Siege of Malta, when they repelled a massive Ottoman invasion. This victory secured their rule, which continued for over 200 years. The Hospitallers founded Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean de la Valette, leader during the siege. The city became the order’s headquarters and a significant cultural, military, and diplomatic center. Over time, they became known as the Knights of Malta. Napoleon Bonaparte expelled them from the island in 1798.
From the 19th Century to Today
Despite losing Malta, the order survived. In the 19th century, the Hospitallers were reorganized with a renewed focus on humanitarian work. Several successor organizations emerged, including the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), the Order of Saint John, the Brandenburg Order of Saint John, and the Swedish and Dutch Johanniter Orders. All continue to exist today. These organizations emphasize medical aid, assistance to the poor, and relief in wartime.
In the 20th century, the Catholic Sovereign Military Order of Malta, based in Rome, became a highly respected international humanitarian institution. Although it possesses no territory, it is considered a sovereign subject of international law. Since 1994, it has held observer status at the UN General Assembly. The order has around 13,500 knights, dames, and chaplains, employing approximately 52,000 doctors and healthcare workers, assisted by 95,000 volunteers in more than 120 countries. Their humanitarian mission remains a living reminder of their glorious past.
