Losing the Holy Land in 1291 deprived the Hospitallers of their properties therein, as well as their primary purpose. This necessitated finding a cause that, in the eyes of their contemporaries, justified their continued operation and possession of extensive benefices. The construction of its own navy was crucial in capturing the Dodecanese from 1306 onward, ensuring dominance in this part of the Mediterranean, an effective defense of the Order's State and control of the region's trade routes. It also restored Rhodes' role as a vital transit port. Among other tasks, it protected Christian ships, fighting pirates and Muslim fleets. Licensed by the Order, Corso brought significant profits to the Treasury, and the obligation of Rhodes residents to serve on the galleys made the fleet and its service key to the subjects and the Knights themselves. It was an effective tool for the Order to maintain subordinate territories, force obedience of subjects and political concessions on neighbors.
