ABSTRACT
Since its inception in 1190 as a Deutsche Hospitalbruderschaft, located beside the harbour at Acre, the history of the Teutonic Order can be seen to have developed in three stages: as a hospital brotherhood from 1190 until 1198–99, formed to care for sick pilgrims and injured crusaders during and after the Third Crusade; as a spiritual order of knighthood of the Roman Church from 1199 to 1929; and, since 1929, as a purely spiritual order, without the chivalrous element, but as a modem association of lay persons and clergy, the Familiaren and the Oblaten. Throughout these phases hospitality has remained the primary focus of the Order's mission. Even during its period as an order of knighthood, with a membership largely drawn from the aristocracy of the Empire, the brothers continued to maintain their provision of shelter, care and support for the sick and aged, as well as their responsibilities towards their own members and servants. Both aspects of their role – hospitality and chivalry – are examined in this paper.
