History: Medieval Malta

In the year 870AD when the Maltese formed part of the Byzantine Empire, the Arabs Colonised the islands for almost 300 years, until Count Roger the Norman, a kinsman of William the Conqueror of England, who, in 1090 conquered the islands, and added Malta to his Empire. It is said that our flag was given to the Maltese by Count Roger by giving a section of his Hauteville's coat of arms - White to the mast Red to the last. The flag was recognized by King Alfonso of Spain in 1429.

For more than two centuries Malta formed part of the Aragonese Crown. In the early 16th century, the Crown of Aragon and Castille, fell to Charles V who at the time was head of the Holy Roman Empire. Charles V had too much on his plate and in 1530 preferred to grant the islands to the Order of the Knights of St .John as a fief on condition they give the King a life falcon every year.

During the following 200 years Malta experienced probably the most colourful and exciting period in its history. In 1565, the Turks invaded Malta as they wanted to destroy the Knights completely and use Malta as an Ottoman stronghold from which they could attack Southern Europe. The four month siege was disastrous to the Turks and although heavily outnumbered, the Knights and the Maltese people resisted, stood firm and defeated the Turks.

After this victory the Knights concentrated on improving trade and commerce, built hospitals, the main Hospital could accommodate 500 patients and was renowned as one of the finest in the world, churches, palaces and above all erected new fortification lines, bastions, and a new fortress city which was called Valletta in honour of the Grandmaster La Valette under whose inspired guidance and courage, the Knights and Maltese had defeated the Ottoman onslaught.