The Hospitallers of Rhodes and their Mediterranean World

The studies in the present volume, on the history of the Order of the Hospital between 1306 and 1522, are not only concerned with the part it played in the defence of the Latin Levant, but also with its role in Western society. The first articles deal with the settlement of Rhodes, the conflicts with the Turks, and with the Hospitallers' participation in crusading expeditions. As important, however, is the question of how they managed to support their military achievements. Drawing on the results of many years' research into the archives of the Hospital, both in Malta and in the provincial archives, Dr Luttrell examines their administration of the Rhodian islands and details some of the resources they drew from elsewhere, notably the West, whether in terms of recruitment, money raising or the exploitation of their estates. Particular attention is given to the Hospitaller properties in Italy and Spain, and to the nature of Hospitaller life in these western priories and commanderies. Les etudes regroupees dans le present volume, qui traitent de l'histoire de l'Ordre de l'HA?pital entre 1306 et 1522, ne s'attachent pas seulement au rA?le joue par celui-ci dans la defense du Levant latin, mais aussi A son rA?le dans la societe occidentale. Les premiers articles s'interessent A la colonisation de Rhodes, aux conflits avec les Turcs et A la participation des membres de l'Ordre aux expeditions croisees. La question de savoir comment ils parvinrent A financer leurs exploits militaires reste toutefois importante; s'appuyant sur les resultats obtenus apres de nombreuses annees de recherches dans les archives de l'HA?pital, A Malte et en province, le Dr Luttrell examine leur administration des A (R)les rhodiennes et fait un compte-rendu qu'ils tirerent d'ailleurs, notamment de l'Ouest, que ce soit en terme de recrutement, de collecte de fonds ou d'exploitation de leurs terres. Une attention plus particuliere est portee sur