Maltese heroism as depicted in literature on the Great Siege of Malta of 1565

Abstract

Going through the literature on the Great Siege of 1565 one comes across many Maltese, participants in this important event, in the annals of this small Mediterranean archipelago. Some of these inhabitants are identified by name, but other individuals and groups are faceless and anonymous. Yet, known or unknown, i~ is stated all along the passages of the Christian literature of this eventful siege, that these Maltese formed the backbone of resistance to the Muslim invader. Being the most numerous, single group on the Island, it is no wonder that they made up quite an important element in the defence of Malta. The existing literature recounting the siege is charged . with the high respect paid to these Maltese inhabitants and their deeds and actions as supporters and faithful subjects of the Order of St John. Analysing the comments and observations in the pro-Christian, pro-Order; literature, one needs to put such high regard within the framework of the patriotic vein in which such episodes were written.