 The Eight-Pointed Cross (now commonly known
as the Maltese Cross) owes its origin to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, Italy, the
birthplace of some pious merchants who founded the first hospice in Jerusalem in 1048. It
has ever since become the emblem of the Knights Hospitaller. The eight points symbolize
the eight Beatitudes (Mat III, 28), and also the eight Langues of the Order. The four
parts of the cross represent the four cardinal Virtues: Fortitude, Justice, Temperance and
Perseverance. It is a white cross reminiscent o f knightly purity - the knights made
solemn vows before the cross, and to the person it symbolized, Jesu Christo.
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