The Jesse Kelly Show Hour 2: The Siege of Malta Part 1
Oct 8, 2025
Dive into the gripping history of the Siege of Malta in the 16th century! Discover the origins of the Knights Hospitaller and their transformation from hospital caretakers to fierce warriors. Explore the advanced military technology of the time, including cannons and naval warfare. Learn about the strategic importance of Malta and the massive Ottoman invasion force. Witness the tension among Ottoman commanders and the daring defenses put up by the knights. Get ready for a captivating journey through a pivotal moment in history!
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Host's Personal History Passion
- Jesse Kelly describes his deep personal love of history and museums as a driving hobby and recurring show feature.
- He frames his history segments as something he would do daily if not for his political work on the show.
Malta's Four-Point Defense
- The Siege of Malta (1565) centers on four key fortified sites rather than one single fortress.
- Visualizing Malta as 'Pac-Man' helps map the four strategic defenses: St. Elmo, two teeth forts, and Mdina.
Knights Hospitaller Origins
- The Knights of St. John began as a hospital order in Jerusalem around year 1000 and evolved into a military order.
- Their role shifted from care-giving to armed protection of Christian pilgrims amid Crusade-era violence.