The Hospitaller or Malta Knights, officially known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, is a religious order of chivalry that traces its roots back to the 11th century.
Originally founded in Jerusalem to care for sick and injured pilgrims to the Holy Land, the order eventually became a military order tasked with defending Christian territories and fighting against Muslim forces during the Crusades. Over time, the order evolved into a prominent political and economic force in Europe, establishing its own state on the island of Malta in the 16th century. The Hospitaller Knights were known for their skill in battle and their commitment to charitable works, including the establishment of hospitals and other institutions to care for the sick and the poor. Today, the order continues its mission of providing humanitarian aid around the world through its charitable works and medical facilities. The order is recognized as a sovereign subject of international law and maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries.