Editing History of Malta (section)

===Early years===
[[File:Prise de Malte en 1530.jpg|thumb|''[[Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam]] takes possession of the island of Malta, 26&nbsp;October 1530'' by [[René Théodore Berthon]]]]

In the early 16th&nbsp;century, the [[Ottoman Empire]] started spreading over the region, reaching South East Europe. The Spanish king [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles&nbsp;V]] feared that if Rome fell to the Turks, it would be the end of Christian Europe. In 1522, [[Suleiman the Magnificent|Suleiman&nbsp;I]] drove the [[Knights Hospitaller]] of St.&nbsp;John out of [[Rhodes]]. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe. Wanting to protect Rome from invasion from the south, in 1530, [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles&nbsp;V]] handed over the island to these knights.

For the next 275&nbsp;years, the "Knights of Malta" made the island their domain and made the [[Italian language]] official. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications, they embellished the island with numerous works of art, and enhanced cultural heritage.

The order of the Knights of St.&nbsp;John was originally established to set up outposts along the route to the Holy Land, to assist pilgrims going in either direction. Owing to the many confrontations that took place, one of their main tasks was to provide medical assistance, and even today the eight-pointed cross is still in wide use in ambulances and first aid organisations. In return for the many lives they saved, the Order received many newly conquered territories that had to be defended. Together with the need to defend the pilgrims in their care, this gave rise to the strong military wing of the knights. Over time, the Order became strong and rich. From hospitallers first and military second, these priorities reversed. Since much of the territory they covered was around the Mediterranean region, they became notable seamen.

From Malta the knights resumed their seaborne attacks of Ottoman shipping, and before long the [[Suleiman the Magnificent|Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent]] ordered a final attack on the Order. By this time the Knights had occupied the city of [[Birgu]], which had excellent harbours to house their fleet. Birgu was one of the two major urban places at that time, the other most urban place being [[Mdina]] the old capital city of Malta. The defences around Birgu were enhanced and new fortifications built on the other point where now there is [[Senglea]]. A small fort was built at the tip of the peninsula where the city of [[Valletta]] now stands and was named [[Fort Saint Elmo]].