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When it comes to the world's smallest country, many people think of the Vatican, nestled in the heart of Italy. But in the genealogy of the world's countries, there is such a special member, who has neither majestic mountains and rivers nor glamorous cities, and even the word "land" is a luxury. This country – if you call it that way – is the Knights of Malta, the only "country" in the world that has no territory.
Knights of Malta
The Knights of Malta, officially known as the "Sovereign Military Hospitallers", began as a religious military organization founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century to provide medical treatment and relief to the needy. They have crossed the war and the years, and although they have lost the island of Malta, they still retain their "state" status under international law.
First of all, let's take a little geographical knowledge, "territory" refers to an area that is governed by the sovereignty of a country. How can it be counted as territory? Mountains and rivers, densely populated, and agriculture developed? None of them, at least they must exist in some corner of the earth. And for the Knights of Malta, this concept of "territory" has become somewhat fantastical - their country, which can only be drawn in the mind.
I can tell you that, apart from faith and honor, their center of administration is the only two buildings: the Church of St. John in Rome and the station on the island of Malta. But what makes people laugh and cry is that these two houses are still rented, you heard it right, there is not even a "self-owned house"!
The story of the Knights of Malta seems to be the interpretation of the male protagonist in "Love Through Time and Space" in the realistic version: crisscrossing the battlefield, slaying demons and demons, but there is nowhere to settle down. Their "territory" is as far away as the stars, which can be described as a typical "tenant mentality", and they have to pay rent on time every year, which can't help but make people sigh.
Miraculously, such a Knights of Malta is still "recognized" by more than a hundred countries, and they even have their own diplomats, their own stamps, and they can participate in United Nations meetings. What a bizarre scene this is - an army without territory, but playing the role of a "state", receiving state guests from other countries, holding official receptions.
Humorously, if one day they have a dispute with the landlord for various reasons, will the "country" face "layoff" or "vagrancy"? or, if the landlord raises the price on a whim, will the Knights of Malta have to launch a "crowdfunding" campaign in the international community?
What's even funnier is that members of the Order of Malta may have to put a folding bed in their office when they are "busy with state affairs" – like workers working overtime all night. Hey, when you think about it, you feel that they are "too miserable", not only is the territory rented, but they are not even guaranteed a stable residence.
Where did the territory of the Order of Malta go?
At the end of the centuries-long Middle Ages in Europe, the Knights of Malta, a group of warriors known as the Knights of Apologetic, left a strong and unique mark on the shores of the Mediterranean. Although they are called the Knights, they have lost their inherent territory in the long course of history. This mysterious group, once the embodiment of religious and military power, can only be found in museums and history books for traces of their glory and the shortcomings of their territory.
The Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights of St. John, began in Jerusalem at the end of the eleventh century. Originally born as a medical organization, it became a religious order of military and religious coexistence, under the patronage of the Pope. After the First Crusade, they were given the domain of Jerusalem and quickly grew into an influential armed force.
However, over time, the fate of this order also ebbed and fell. In 1291, the Muslims recaptured Jerusalem, and the Order lost its spiritual and material roots. They were forced to leave the Holy City and go into exile in Cyprus. After a brief period of settling, the Knights set sail again, conquered Rhodes, and established their new headquarters there, where they became known as the Knights of Rhodes.
During the two centuries in Rhodes, the Order developed into an important naval force in the Mediterranean. Not only did they defend Christendom, but they also effectively controlled the east-west trade routes, and as a result, they amassed great wealth. However, the good times were short-lived, and their presence aroused the covetousness and hostility of the surrounding powers.
In 1522, the Order lost territory again under the attack of the Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Magnificent. After many months of siege, the Knights had to leave Rhodes with their relics. Wandering at sea and homeless, these former Mediterranean hegemons had to find a new home.
In the struggle of European countries, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, in order to ensure the safety of the western Mediterranean, gave the island of Malta, south of Sicily, a fief to the homeless knights. Since 1530, the Order has been known as the Knights of Malta. On this new land, they built fortified castles, developed a new economy, and once again became an important force in the Mediterranean seas.
The Order's heyday in Malta was in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. In the face of a massive Ottoman attack, the Order showed stubborn resistance and eventually miraculously repelled the enemy army. This victory greatly enhanced the Order's international reputation and also cemented their dominance in Malta. Malta became a Christian fortress and a symbol of the Knights' standing strong.
However, the good times did not last long, and as the political landscape of Europe changed, the status of the Knights gradually wavered. They are bound by the tonality of their historical mission and are unable to adapt to the ever-changing tide of modernization. In 1798, when Napoleon conquered the island of Malta on his way to conquer Egypt, the Knights gave up resistance under a peace agreement, and the island fell under French occupation.
Napoleon did not rule Malta for long, but his arrival marked the sad end of the official loss of territory for the Knights of Malta. After that, the Order continued to exist in exile, seeking refuge all over Europe, and until now, although they have headquarters in many countries, they no longer have a territory of their own. The Order of Malta became a historical symbol, a model of spiritual homeland, but it no longer exists on the map of reality.
Epilogue:
The history of the Knights of Malta is a tragic territorial epic. They fought to protect Christendom and lived for their faith, but in the end they lost a piece of their land in the torrent of empire and the baptism of history. Despite the ill-fated "homeland", the spirit of the Knights of Malta has not faded. Committed to their religious beliefs and rescue mission, they provide medical care and relief to people around the world through various channels. In this concept, they have a vast and boundless "territory" - the human heart. They take doing good as their national policy and compassion as their mission, and behind their honor is a deep love for mankind.