For the earliest siege discussed, an attacking force of about 18,000 faced a mixed Maltese, Aragonese, coastal-guard, household-troop, and civilian defence. The figures include about 4,000 soldiers and 16,000-18,000 civilians taking up arms, although the command structure remains unclear. One proposed explanation is that a locally powerful woman coordinated the defence while male commanders led troops. A lord's wife could administer his estate during his absence, giving her authority over household troops and local resources. The absence of a celebrated male commander and the importance of locally raised forces support this hypothesis, but do not establish it. Sparse accounts leave the identity of the effective commander unresolved.
Notable Point · 45:36-56:21
The first siege and an uncertain command structure
Sparse accounts of the first major siege leave the identity of Malta's effective defender uncertain despite large civilian participation.