{"product_id":"malt-07","title":"MALT-07 - Maltese Militia  | John Jenkins Designs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMALT-07 - Maltese Militia | John Jenkins Designs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis two-figure set depicts Maltese Militiamen defending the island during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, one of the most celebrated military confrontations of the 16th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe set includes one soldier firing a musket supported by a rest, while the second kneels with a pistol and round shield. Their contrasting weapons and positions illustrate the different types of infantry equipment represented among the defenders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Great Siege of Malta began on 18 May 1565 when the Ottoman Empire launched a major expedition to capture the island from the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of the Order of St. John.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Knights had established their headquarters on Malta in 1530, following their expulsion from Rhodes by Ottoman forces in 1522.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnder Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture Malta and strengthen its position in the Mediterranean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 500 Knights, supported by around 6,000 soldiers, resisted the Ottoman forces throughout the prolonged siege.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe defenders successfully held the island until the Ottoman withdrawal in September 1565.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis two-figure set provides an excellent addition to a Maltese defensive formation, particularly when displayed alongside other militia, knights and command figures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow available from The Military Workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Jenkins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53279120458010,"sku":"MALT-07","price":142.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/0154\/0890\/files\/MALT-07.jpg?v=1793524685","url":"https:\/\/themilitaryworkshop.com\/products\/malt-07","provider":"The Military Workshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}