In June 1798, a dramatic chapter unfolded in Maltese history as French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte entered the island. A key turning point came with the Act of Capitulation of Mdina, a formal surrender that allowed the French to take control of Malta with minimal resistance. Though brief, French rule would leave a lasting impact on the island’s institutions and society.
The Strategic Appeal of Malta
Napoleon’s fleet stopped in Malta en route to his Egyptian campaign. At the time, Malta was under the rule of the Knights of St. John, who had governed the island since 1530. However, internal divisions and declining power had weakened the Knights, making them vulnerable to external threats. Napoleon demanded safe harbor and supplies for his fleet—but was denied full entry.
Rather than negotiate further, Napoleon launched a swift military campaign. French troops landed in Malta on June 9, 1798, and within days, they gained control of several key cities and fortresses.
The Act of Capitulation of Mdina: Mdina’s Surrender
The Act of Capitulation of Mdina took place on June 10, 1798. Mdina, the old capital of Malta, surrendered without significant bloodshed. Facing overwhelming military force and a disunited ruling elite, the city’s leaders agreed to hand over control to the French. The capitulation allowed for a peaceful transition of power, though it marked the end of centuries of Knight rule.
The Aftermath of Capitulation
Napoleon stayed in Malta for just six days, but during that time, he introduced sweeping reforms. He abolished feudal privileges, shut down monastic institutions, and established new legal codes. Although many Maltese welcomed the change at first, resentment soon grew—especially due to religious tensions and economic strain.
A Short-Lived Empire
While the Act of Capitulation of Mdina symbolized a peaceful handover, French rule in Malta lasted only two years. By 1800, with British support, Maltese rebels drove the French out. Still, that brief moment in 1798 marked a key shift in Malta’s modern political evolution.