Malta Kingdom history overview with rulers

Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, has a complex history shaped by various powers and rulers throughout the centuries. It hasn't had a continuous kingdom per se, but rather, it has been governed by different entities, including kingdoms, empires, and orders. Here's an overview of Malta's history along with some notable rulers: 1. **Ancient Period**: - Malta has a long history dating back to ancient times. It was inhabited by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Carthaginians. These ancient peoples left behind megalithic temples, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija, which date back to around 3600 BCE. 2. **Medieval Period**: - In the medieval period, Malta came under the control of various powers, including the Byzantine Empire and the Aghlabids of Sicily. - In 1091, Malta was conquered by the Norman Count Roger I of Sicily, who integrated it into the Kingdom of Sicily. 3. **Knights Hospitaller (Order of St. John)**: - In 1530, Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire granted the Maltese islands to the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of St. John. The knights transformed Malta into a formidable fortress and naval base. - The most famous event in the history of the Knights Hospitaller in Malta was the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, during which the knights successfully defended the island from an Ottoman invasion. - The knights ruled Malta until 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte seized the island during his Egyptian campaign. 4. **French and British Rule**: - Following Napoleon's brief rule, Malta came under British control in 1800 after the Treaty of Amiens. Malta became a British protectorate in 1814 and remained under British rule until its independence. - The British colonial administration modernized Malta's infrastructure and economy and played a significant role in shaping its institutions. 5. **Independence and Republic**: - Malta gained independence from British rule on September 21, 1964, becoming the State of Malta within the British Commonwealth. It became a republic within the Commonwealth in 1974. - Since independence, Malta has developed into a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. While Malta hasn't had a continuous kingdom in the traditional sense, its history is characterized by the rule of various powers and orders, each leaving its mark on the island's culture, architecture, and society.