|
The Byzantine rule was finally ended in 1309 - not by Muslims but by the Knights Hospitaller who had been forced to flee the mainland. They renamed themselves the Knights of Rhodes, expanded the island fortifications and used it (the castle) as a base of operations for Christian attacks on Muslim territory in the Holy Land. The Hospitallers were able to turn back Muslim attacks in 1444 and 1480, but Suleiman the Magnificent was able to capture the island in 1523. Those who survived the attack were permitted to move their base of operations to Malta, where they renamed themselves the Knights of Malta.
|
