In 1565, the armies of Islam attacked Malta - defended by greatly outnumbered Christian knights. After 30,000 Jihadis were sent to meet their 72 virgins, they broke off the attack and redirected the Jihad to Vienna... where their great Jihad meet the defeat that saved Europe.
Which is why "The Knights of Malta" sticks in their throat 500 years later.
My parish priest is from Malta. He was just telling us about the KOM and the battle fought in 1565 during scripture study on Tuesday.