The walled hill town at the centre of Malta, the island's only town of size, with its suburb (Rabat) outside the walls.
The island was raided by Count Roger in 1091 and conquered by Roger II in 1127; under its Christian counts most of its people were still Muslim farmers, with a Christian minority and some Jews.
Who holds it
- Name
- William Grasso (with Markward that winter); his hold on the town not pinned
- Title
- Count of Malta
- Since
- Before September 1197
- Confidence
- low
Lord in 1200
The count of Malta, William Grasso, Markward's admiral that winter; the islanders had risen against him by 1198 (en.wikipedia), and who governs the town that morning is not pinned.
How things stand that morning
Contested: the count is Markward's man, the islanders had risen against him, and the regency's officers may hold or claim the islands.
Council
No commune; the count's officers (not named).
Communities
Muslims (the majority, by later evidence), Christians, Jews (not pinned for 1200).
Walls and castle
The walled town on its ridge; the sea castle on the Birgu point (castrum maris) is first documented later.
Trade and crafts
Cotton, cumin, grain and stock (by later evidence); the harbours of the east coast used by corsairs.
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- After July 1200Grasso returns to the regency's side and is confirmed as count.Depends on: Markward's defeat at Monreale. Stopped by: Markward's victory.
Places of note
- Mdina: The walled town
- Birgu point (later castrum maris): Harbour point; the sea castle is documented only later
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: The count is documented; the town's state that winter is not.
On the map: Near land about 4 km round the town; the whole island is in Count of Malta.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.