How did the Knights of Malta secretly rule four Caribbean islands in the 17th century?
["The episode begins by introducing the specific historical period when the Knights of Malta, also known as the Hospitaller Order, colonized parts of the Americas.", "It focuses on the 17th century, detailing how the Order exercised control over four Caribbean islands for approximately 14 years.", "These islands are identified as St. Christopher, St. Martin, St. Barth\u00e9lemy, and St. Croix.", "The narrative explains that the Order was a vassal state of the Kingdom of Sicily under Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris during this era.", "The settlement of the Knights in the Caribbean region stemmed from close ties between the Order and the French nobility.", "Many Order members were already experienced administrators for French colonies in America.", "The key figure behind this colonialism was Philippe de Longvilliers de Poissy, who held dual roles as a Knight of Malta and governor of French Caribbean possessions.", "In 1651, he persuaded the Order to purchase the islands from the financially struggling Compagnie des \u00celes de l'Am\u00e9rique.", "Poissy remained on-site until his death in 1616 to lead the territories.", "During this phase, the Order functioned as the legal owner, while formal sovereignty remained with King Louis XIV.", "In practice, Poissy governed largely autonomously from both powers.", "The chapter ended in 1665 when the Maltese sold their rights to the newly formed French West India Company.", "The background section notes that Knights of Malta members were present in regions like New France and the Lesser Antilles from the early phases of French settlement.", "The Order consisted mostly of French aristocracy, and many French naval officers received their maritime training in the Maltese fleet.", "It was common for Knights to hold high administrative posts in early colonies, with examples like Aymar Chaste and Isaac de Rasilly in Acadia.", "In 1635, Rasilly proposed establishing a permanent Order settlement in Acadia to Grand Master Antoine de Paule, but this was initially rejected.", "His successor, Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, showed more attention to colonial projects.", "Around 1642, Lascaris symbolically sponsored a converted Abenaki tribesperson, reflecting the Order's involvement in colonial endeavors.", "The episode concludes by reiterating the influence of Knights in early colonial administration.", "It emphasizes the unique intersection of religious military orders and European colonization in the Americas."]
