2. The Hospitallers: Lost in Geopolitics
The Knights Hospitaller, established in the 12th century, began as a hospital order in Jerusalem, providing care for sick and poor pilgrims (britannica.com). Over time, they evolved into a formidable military force, safeguarding Christian territories. After the fall of Acre in 1291, they relocated to Cyprus, then to Rhodes in 1309, and later to Malta in 1530. Their decline began with the loss of Malta to Napoleon in 1798, leading to their dispersion across Europe. Today, they exist as a charitable organization, lacking the power they once wielded.
