The siege of Malta, defended by the knights of St John, otherwise known as the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of Malta, is one of the great military actions in history. They were a religious military order established prior to the crusades, in order to assist pilgrims on their journey to Christian holy sites across the levant. As the crusades began in earnest, they soon transformed into a military order, rivalling the knights Templar in their prowess and influence. 
As the crusader kingdoms slowly began to collapse, the Knights retreated to other strongholds, such as Cyprus and Rhodes, till they eventually also fell to the Muslims. 
Finally, entrenched in their last remaining stronghold of Malta, they made their final stand. This battle was to be either "the Alamo" for them, or for the Muslims- "Stalingrad".
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