Page 16 - Abstracts of the 2nd Slovenia–Turkey Bilateral Colloquium
P. 16
Slovenia–Turkey Bilateral Colloquium · Portorož, 19 May 2023
Sword and Dagger
Dane Munro
University of Malta, Malta
danemunro@um.edu.mt
On 9 June 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte landed in Malta, held by the Order
of St John. Since the Order and France were not at war, the French fleet,
on its way to Egypt, asked permission to enter the Grand Harbour to fill
their water supply; this was a trick, and the French demanded that the Or-
der surrender the island. After several days of fighting, the Knights sur-
rendered on 12 June 1798. Bonaparte expelled the Order and introduced
new laws and institutions to gain popularity. However, the French were
on their way to conquer Egypt and needed money. They started helping
themselves and stole 80 per cent of the churches’ silver, which caused the
Maltese to revolt. In 1800 the British admiral Nelson chased the French
from Malta. The French also took the ceremonial sword and dagger from
Grand Master De Vallete, the great hero of the Great Siege of Malta, in
1565. The sword and dagger, encrusted with precious gemstones, are now
in the collection of the Louvre. Besides the moral and practical questions,
there are the legal issues about war booty, ownership, and transfer of own-
ership.
Keywords: Malta, Order of St John, France, Louvre, Napoleon Bonaparte,
war booty, legal and moral issues
16
Sword and Dagger
Dane Munro
University of Malta, Malta
danemunro@um.edu.mt
On 9 June 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte landed in Malta, held by the Order
of St John. Since the Order and France were not at war, the French fleet,
on its way to Egypt, asked permission to enter the Grand Harbour to fill
their water supply; this was a trick, and the French demanded that the Or-
der surrender the island. After several days of fighting, the Knights sur-
rendered on 12 June 1798. Bonaparte expelled the Order and introduced
new laws and institutions to gain popularity. However, the French were
on their way to conquer Egypt and needed money. They started helping
themselves and stole 80 per cent of the churches’ silver, which caused the
Maltese to revolt. In 1800 the British admiral Nelson chased the French
from Malta. The French also took the ceremonial sword and dagger from
Grand Master De Vallete, the great hero of the Great Siege of Malta, in
1565. The sword and dagger, encrusted with precious gemstones, are now
in the collection of the Louvre. Besides the moral and practical questions,
there are the legal issues about war booty, ownership, and transfer of own-
ership.
Keywords: Malta, Order of St John, France, Louvre, Napoleon Bonaparte,
war booty, legal and moral issues
16
