- Time Period: Pre World War I
- Institution: 17 February 1806
- Country: Austria
The roots of this Order can be traced back to the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. Mary of the Teutons in Jerusalem. It was initially established in 1128 as a military Order with the purpose of providing assistance to ailing and injured Christian pilgrims and establishing hospitals in the Holy Land. On November 19, 1190, Duke Friedrich from Swabia formally founded the Order.
During its Imperial Austrian iteration, this Order was bestowed upon nobles and clergy members who demonstrated dedication to the fields of nursing and the compassionate practice of mercy.
The Order gained recognition as a Roman Catholic Order, with subsequent Popes endorsing it. However, it faced abolition by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809. It was subsequently reinstated in 1815 under the patronage of Imperial Austria and underwent reforms under Emperor Ferdinand I in both 1840 and 1871.
The Marian Knight Cross Design
The Marian Knight Cross is struck in silver and measures 35 by 42 mm.
