The Order of St. John and the Impact of the First Crusade

The hospital reaped the enormous rewards following the fall of Jerusalem in the form of donations of Land and money both within the newly formed Latin States and greatful benificaries upon their successful return to Europe. It marks the evolution of the Order from carers of the pilgrims into the ‘militia Christi’. At the height of their prosperity the order held seven major strongholds, and 140 casalia in the Latin states However it must be remembered that despite the emphasis placed on military prowess and control in the period prior to the First Crusade it must be remembered that at no point did the order relinquish its primary goal the fullfilment of hospitality. This too was another direct result of the First Crusade – the order went form virtually landless to a landed power – both in Outremer and in Europe – A fact that ensured their survival after the fall of Jerusalerm.

Acquisition of Property

The transition of the Hospitallers into a fully flegded miliatary order was aider through the acquisition of vast tracts of land and property. This in turn evolved into participation in battle. In 1136, they were granted the important castle of Bethgeblin, south fo Palestine to hold against the Moslem advance

Class Distinction

Despite the early piety and idealism of the early members of the Hospitallers, as the military arm grew in strenght, class distinction began to pervade the order.

Evolution into a military Order – A Natural Progression

The Order of St.

First Crusade and its Impact

The First Crusade can truly be observed to be the spark that ignited the inferno. The very resilience of the order stand alone as a testiomony to the success and applications of their ideals. was under the second master of the Order, Raymond du Puy the the order of St John was reorganised along military lines , seeing the creation of the Knights Hospitallers. He Initiated the military role of the Hospitallers by primarily organising convoys to ensure safe passage for pilgrims. coming to and returning from the Holy land. However it is not until the Rule of the ninth Master, Alfonso of Portugal that military duties are laid down and class distinction, which will be referred to later occur. Furthermore the Brethern –at-Arms, were too diferentiated by class lines, the Knights were of noble birts while the ‘inferior’ classes were Serjants-at-Arms, although realisiically there was little or no difference in their roles.