The rebellion of the knights against grandmaster Jean Levesque De La Cassiere

Abstract

This dissertation is the result of three years research in various libraries and archives. The rebellion of the Knights against Grandmaster La Cassiere, has fascinated historians for four centuries, as it 1:ras the outcome of a unique situation in the history of the Order in Malta. La Cassiere was the only Grandmaster to be deposed by members of his own Order. The first time I read about Romegas, La Cassiere, Mailloc Sacquenville etc. was in the novel San Gwann by Professor Joseph Galea when I was still a secondary school pupil. Though this novel contains many inaccuracies, c:u1d situations which are historically incorrect, it introduced me to the difficult La Cassiere era, and the troubles which characterised his turbulent magistracy. After I read this novel I began acquiring all the information I could get on the event. It ·was therefore, a very easy task for me to choose the subject of my dissertation. Throughout the work I have always tried to substantiate arguments with primary sources, reinforced by eminent authors ·who lived close to the era of La Cassie re. I have also used a number of primary documents on the matter kept in the Vatican Libraries, and which gave light to some less well known events during the rebellion. Finally, I would like to thank all those who helped me in the compiling of this dissertation, especially my tutor, Dr. G. Wettinger, who was always ready to help me in my research with his expertise and advice. Thanks are also due to the staffs of the Libraries in which I made my research.