The Jew of Malta

Abstract

Malta is governed by the Knights Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem, a religious order which was formed in accordance with the crusading ideals of chivalry. The Knights established themselves in Malta in 1522, after they had been driven out of Rhodes by the Turks. Their members were recruited from the aristocracies of Europe. They were attacked again by the Turks in 1565 but managed, against all the odds, to hold Malta during a four-month siege. Their leader, Jean Parisot de la Valette, became the hero of Christendom. The Jew of Malta represents a Turkish siege of Malta, although it does not deal directly with the events of what quickly became known as the Great Siege of 1565. Most Elizabethan spectators would nevertheless have been familiar with at least the outlines of stories about this famous victory. As suggested, Marlowe’s plays take great delight in challenging assumptions and expectations. His spectators are therefore presented with a very different story about Malta and its struggles with the Turks.