The fortification and the defence of Gozo down to 1551

Abstract

Although the sources that have come down to us for Gozo's medieval history are sparse. one can glean therefrom sufficient information on how the smaller islands defence and fortification was organized before the coming of the knights. Like Malta, Gozo had its own string of coastal watches which gave sufficient warning of impending invasions, but the walls of the citadel constituted the ultimate bulwark against the enemy. One document in particular yields some new insights into the problem of balancing personal interests against the public good involved in the maintenance o/these walls. We are left in the dark as to how effective these walls were throughout the centuries before 1551, bur unfortunately, very little doubt remains on the outcome of the disastrous onslaught ofthat year.