Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam
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| Grand Master of the Order of Saint John | |
| In office 1521 – 21 August 1534 |
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| Monarch | King Charles II |
| Preceded by | Fabrizio del Carretto |
| Succeeded by | Piero de Ponte |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1464 Beauvais, France |
| Died | 21 August 1534 (aged 69–70) Rabat, Hospitaller Malta |
| Resting place | Chapel of St Anne, Fort St Angelo, Birgu, later reburied at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Order of Saint John |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Rhodes |
Fra' Philippe de Villiers de L'Isle-Adam (born in 1464, died August 21, 1534) was a very important leader of the Knights Hospitaller. This was a special group of knights who helped sick people and fought to protect Christian lands. He was elected as the 44th Grand Master of the Order in 1521.
Contents
A Brave Leader: Defending Rhodes
Philippe de L'Isle-Adam became Grand Master just before a huge challenge. In 1522, the powerful Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire attacked Rhodes. Rhodes was the island where the Knights Hospitaller had their main base.
The siege was long and very difficult. About 600 knights and 4,500 soldiers bravely defended the island. They fought against a massive army of about 100,000 men. For six months, the Knights held their ground.
Even though they fought with great courage, the Knights eventually had to give up. Grand Master de L'Isle-Adam negotiated with Sultan Suleiman. On New Year's Day in 1523, the Knights were allowed to leave Rhodes safely. They sailed away to Crete, leaving their home behind.
Searching for a New Home
After losing Rhodes, the Knights Hospitaller did not have a permanent home for several years. Grand Master de L'Isle-Adam led them from place to place. They stayed in Kandi on Crete, then moved to Messina, Viterbo, and finally Nice in France.
This was a tough time for the Order. They needed a new base to continue their mission. Grand Master de L'Isle-Adam worked hard to find a new home for his Knights.
Finding Malta: A New Beginning
In 1530, Grand Master de L'Isle-Adam achieved something amazing. He convinced Emperor Charles V to give the Knights a new home. The Emperor gave them the islands of Malta and Gozo, and also the port city of Tripoli in North Africa.
This was a huge gift, and it meant the Knights had a place to settle down. They arrived in Malta on October 26, 1530. Their main ship was called the Santa Anna. From this point on, the Knights became known as the Maltese Knights.
Settling in Malta
Grand Master de L'Isle-Adam officially took control of the islands on November 13, 1530. The key to the capital city, Mdina, was given to him. However, the Knights decided to make the coastal town of Birgu their new capital.
They settled in Fort Saint Angelo, which was a strong fortress. It also served as the Grand Master's palace. The Knights began to fortify Birgu and build special buildings called Auberges for each of their different language groups.
Even though they had a new home, the Knights still hoped to one day recapture Rhodes. It wasn't until 35 years later, after the Great Siege of Malta, that they truly decided Malta would be their permanent home.
Later Life and Legacy
Philippe de L'Isle-Adam died in Rabat, Malta, on August 21, 1534. He was first buried in the Chapel of St Anne inside Fort Saint Angelo. Later, in the late 1500s, his remains were moved to the crypt of Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
He is remembered as a strong and determined leader. He guided the Knights Hospitaller through one of their most challenging periods. He helped them find a new home in Malta, ensuring the Order could continue its important work.
Images for kids
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A large cannon (called a culverin) with the coat of arms of L'Isle-Adam, from Rhodes.
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The coat of arms of L'Isle-Adam on a street in Rhodes.
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Philippe de Villiers de l'Isle Adam takes possession of the island of Malta, 26 October 1530 by René Théodore Berthon.
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A former mural in Valletta showing L'Isle-Adam arriving in Malta.
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The coat of arms of L'Isle-Adam at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta.
See also
- Grand Master Philippe Villiers de l'Isle Adam Taking Possession of Mdina, an 18th-century painting about L'Isle-Adam.
