The historical development of the Hospitaller commandery of San Giovanni di Monopoli

Abstract

The purpose of the present dissertation is to study the physical, administrative and financial development of the Hospitaller commandery of San Giovanni of Monopoli during the early modem period. Its medieval origins were difficult to trace since the commandery was neighboured by the wealthier and more important Bailiwick of San Stefano in the same town. This meant that often San Giovanni was forgotten by writers or even mistaken for San Stefano. The commandery is a reflection of its geographical, economic and political surroundings. Natural calamities as well as war and banditry were reflected on the daily life of the commandery since these affected the its property; moreover, they disrupted the collection of responsions which had to be forwarded to the Treasury. In this study I have tried to create a picture of the commandery and the changes which it went through in early modem times. Though perhaps not one of the most important commanderies which the Order owned in Italy, it none the less played a role in forwarding responsions and creating employment for knights. It also provided pensions for older members of the Order.