The Augustinian monastery in Rabat is at…
1429 CE
The Augustinian monastery in Rabat is at one point captured and destroyed by the invaders.
Three thousand Maltese inhabitants are captured by the Hafsids throughout the siege and are taken as prisoners, while many others are killed.
The siege devastates Malta, and its effects will be felt for a number of years afterwards.
The rulers of Sicily will subsequently encourage immigration to Malta to replace the diminished population.
According to local legends, Saint George, Saint Paul and Saint Agatha helped the Maltese during the siege.
St Paul appeared on a white horse with a dagger in his hand to defend the Maltese.
In 1682, Mattia Preti will be commissioned to paint a painting of this event.
The painting can now be found in a chapel within St Paul's Cathedral in Mdina.