In the case of an attack on the islands, a fire would be lit on top of the several watchtowers on the Maltese Coast. The smoke from the fire (or the fire itself if it was night) would be seen from other watchtowers, who would do the same. This cycle would be repeated until all of the watchtowers were alerted. Upon seeing the smoke (or fire), the soldiers themselves would meet up at various designated locations around the islands. These locations would be marked by a customary "Dejma Cross" (Maltese
Salib Tad-Dejma). Upon arriving, the soldiers would prepare for battle. The civilians, on the other hand would make their way to one of the two fortified cities:
Mdina or
Cittadella. (
Valletta too if the attack occurred after the
Great siege.) == References ==