Floating Magnificence: Hospitaller Rituals at Sea

Synopsis:

Over the years that the Order of St John was present in Malta, it instigated a fundamental transformation of the harbour landscape from one of barren emptiness, save for the small medieval outpost of Birgu, to a mighty fortified conurbation. The amalgamation of the natural and the man-made landscape created an impressive ‘floating stage’ upon which the Order could put on shows of power and glory. The Grand Harbour was the gateway into the island order-state of the Hospitallers. This lecture will seek to be the gateway that allows a glimpse into the magnificence of Hospitaller rituals at sea; this will include a brief look at the visit paid by Grand Master Vilhena to Gozo in 1724.

Dr. Emanuel Buttigieg is a Senior Lecturer in early modern history at the Department of History of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta. He is the Co-ordinator of the Faculty of Arts M.A. in Mediterranean Studies and a member of the Board of Studies of the M.A. in Hospitaller Studies. He read for a Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge (Peterhouse) under the supervision of Dr Mary Laven. He is Vice-President ex-officio of the Malta University Historical Society and was until recently a Committee member of the Malta Historical Society. His first book was entitled Nobility, Faith and Masculinity: The Hospitaller Knights of Malta, c.1580-c.1700 (London and New York: Continuum, 2011). He has also edited, together with Dr Simon Phillips of the University of Cyprus, Islands and Military Orders, c.1291-c.1798, (Farnham: Ashgate, 2013).