The Fortifications of Malta 1530–1945

The Island of Malta occupies a pivotal position in the Mediterranean, forming an outpost between North Africa and the soft underbelly of Europe. It has seen numerous sieges throughout the years. Following the successful defence of the Great Siege of 1565, new walls and fortifications were raised on the island. These came to naught when Napoleon occupied Malta in 1798. Retaken by the British in 1800 its defences were modernized throughout the 19th century. The final test for the island fortress was to come during World War II. This book examines all these different styles of fortification from the 16th to the 20th centuries.