The defense of Gozo at the turn of the eighteenth century

Abstract

The perennial state of maximum alert that stifled everyday life in sixteenth century Gozo abated considerably during the course of the seventeenth century, but the overwhelmingly harsh environment and recurrent hostile exchanges between Christians and Muslims spearheaded the Order of St. John to remain on guard and to upkeep and enhance on a continuous basis the intricate network of defensive systems and structures guarding the Maltese Islands. Whenever opportune, resident and visiting experts in the art of fortifications and defense strategies were roped in to review the prevailing state of affairs and to identify feasible measures to improve within the limits of human and financial resources available. To this effect, in May 1701 the Commissioners of War travelled to Gozo to assess the island鈥檚 capability to resist and fight back potential enemy incursions and produced a concise but enlightening report above the situation in Gozo. The following is a brief description of the findings of the Commission.