The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was founded in Jerusalem before 1099 to minister to the needs of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Always remaining true to its original mission, it developed a military function and was instrumental in defending Christianity and Europe from the Muslim onslaught throughout the subsequent centuries.
With the collapse of the Latin Kingdoms in the Holy Land, it acquired territorial sovereignty over Rhodes in the early 14th century where it remained until the early 16th century. It was then granted the Island of Malta, from which its modern name is derived, which was its home until dispossessed by Napoleon Bonaparte. In recent centuries, its military role has diminished while its role as a Catholic religious orderdevoted to the defense of the faith and assistance to those in need has expanded.