Johanniter der Arpadenzeit in Ungarn

Abstract

The Knights of Saint John in the Arpad era in Hungary. The medieval knights order of Saint John of Jerusalem developed from the “Fraternitas Hospitaliaria”. They were also known as the “Knights Hospitaller.” The order was founded in Jerusalem ca. 1050 as an Amalfitan hospital. Its aim was to provide care for poor and sick pilgrims in the Holy Land. After the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade, it became a military order under its own charter. Following the loss of Holy Land territories held by Christians, the Order resettled in Rhodes and later in Malta, over which it gained sovereignity. The Knights Hospitaller appeared in Hungary during the Second Crusade, when King Louis VII of France marched across the country with Hospitallers in his army. King Géza II of Hungary persuaded them, with donations, to remain. The study describes the activities of the Hungarian Knights Hospitaller in the Arpad era, focusing on the locus credibilis authenticus as special legal institution.