The Order of St John and power-projection through rituals in the harbour of Malta

Abstract

Between 1530 and 1798 the Order of St John was based on the central- Mediterranean island of Malta; its seat of power therein was the area surrounding the Harbour of Malta, one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Over the years the presence of the Order instigated a fundamental transformation of the harbour landscape from one of barren emptiness, save for the small medieval outpost of Birgu, to a mighty fortified conurbation. The amalgamation of the natural and the man-made landscape created an impressive “floating stage” upon which the Order could put up shows of power and magnificence. This chapter will seek to explore how splendid rituals and a language of incessant war against Islam came together on occasions like the funerals of grand masters or the launching of new sea vessels to create set-pieces which reinforced the Order’s confidence in its own purpose and impressed onlookers.