Grand Master Ximenes sparked widespread protests among the population after reducing salaries to combat a financial crisis. After quelling a rebellion, Ximenes executed ringleaders, displaying their heads at St. James […]

During Grand Master Pinto's rule, a plot to assassinate him was uncovered. This led to the arrest of Mustapha Pasha of Rhodes and 150 conspirators. He was the longest serving […]

Grand Master Despuig's tenure was marked by peace and stability. He focused on eliminating Turkish influence to secure Mediterranean commerce. He oversaw the completion of St. Barbara’s Church and the […]

Grand Master Antoine Manoel de Vilhena was presented with the Stock and Pilier, the highest papal distinction. He oversaw the construction of Floriana to address Valletta’s housing shortage. He commissioned […]

Grand Master Zondadari expanded the Order's fleet, dominating the Mediterranean. His uncle, Fabio Chigi, served as Inquisitor in Malta and later became Pope Alexander VII. He emphasized maritime power and […]

Grand Master Perellós established the Consolato del Mare, a specialized tribunal handling naval affairs. The capture of the city of Oran on the Algerian coast by the Turks in 1708 […]

During Wignacourt's reign, the catastrophic 1693 earthquake struck Malta and Sicily. He established a relief fund for widows and orphans of Maltese soldiers. He resolved a 40-year dispute between the […]

Carafa was the first General of the Galleys to receive the title "Excellency". He was the first Italian knight to be elected Grand Master in over a century. He led […]