Raymond Berengar (Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller)

Raymond Berengar served as the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller from 1365 to 1374. His tenure occurred during a turbulent period for the Order, marked by ongoing conflicts with various Islamic powers in the eastern Mediterranean and logistical challenges related to maintaining their presence on Rhodes and other strategically important islands.

Little specific detail is readily available regarding Berengar's early life or previous activities before his election as Grand Master. Upon assuming leadership, he inherited a situation where the Hospitallers were constantly engaged in naval skirmishes and raids, attempting to disrupt Mamluk trade and protect Christian shipping. The Order was also actively involved in piracy, further complicating relations with other maritime powers.

Berengar's focus appears to have been on consolidating the Hospitaller's defensive capabilities and maintaining their control over Rhodes, which was a vital base for their operations. He likely oversaw the strengthening of fortifications and the improvement of the Order's fleet. The constant need for funds to support these endeavors meant that Berengar had to navigate complex financial arrangements, including soliciting donations from European monarchs and managing the Order's extensive land holdings in Europe.

While significant battles or large-scale military campaigns directly attributable to Berengar are not widely documented, it is understood that he oversaw the continuation of the Hospitallers' aggressive naval policy. Their activities helped to maintain a degree of pressure on the Mamluk Sultanate, although they were unable to secure any lasting territorial gains on the mainland.

Raymond Berengar died in 1374. He was succeeded as Grand Master by Robert of Juilly. While his grandmastership is not as prominently featured in historical narratives as those of some of his predecessors or successors, his role in maintaining the Hospitallers' presence in the Eastern Mediterranean during a difficult period was undoubtedly important.