Although the Knights Templar is the most recognized type of knight to exist during the Crusades, they are far from being the only type. The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, or the Knights Hospitaller, was a military order whose primary focus was to care for the sick and injured pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
In the heart of Jerusalem resides the remnants of a 1,000-year-old hospital building that was constructed by the Knights Hospitaller. The building collapsed in the earthquake of 1457 and was discovered in 2013—13 years after excavation began.
Spead out over an area of 150,000 square feet, the building's setup is very similar to that of a modern hospital. Wings that were once organized according to medical condition branch off into smaller hallways and patient rooms. The Great Hall areas are characterized by massive pillars and 20-foot ceilings.
The facility is said to have also doubled as an orphanage. In many cases, newborn babies would be dropped off; if a mother had twins, she would deliver one of them to the orphanage. These orphans were very well cared for and raised to become a part of the military order once they were of age.
Works Cited
- http://www.jewishpost.com/culture/1000-Year-Old-Crusader-Hospital-Building.html
- https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/1000-year-old-crusader-hospital-unveiled-jerusalem-00724
