Maltese cross

Form

Four V-shaped arms meeting at the centre, giving eight points.

When it is documented

Developed from earlier eight-pointed crosses. The Hospitallers’ 1489 statutes require “the white cross with eight points”; the fully modern shape is on a coin of 1567.

Context

In the Crusades the Hospitallers wore a plain cross; the eight-pointed form came gradually. The order’s constitution still defines it as its symbol. The link to Amalfi coins of the 11th century is uncertain.

Links in the Atlas

• Emblem of Knights Hospitaller (Order)

  Associated with the order since the 16th century; earlier forms were simpler.

Sources and how they were checked

• Form; plain cross in the Crusades; 1489 statutes; 1567 coin; uncertain Amalfi link.

  Wikipedia, “Maltese cross” · checked 2026-10-21 (tertiary reference; statutes and coins not inspected)