The Jew of Malta is, as the title suggests, set on Malta, an island archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of Italy. This small group of islands has historically served a strategic purpose for multiple European powers in the struggle to maintain economic and political dominance. In The Jew of Malta, this strategic importance is reflected in the political turmoil involving the Turks, whose threat of violence incites the government of Malta to seize Barabas's possessions.
In addition to its political and economic prominence, Malta is also a prominent Roman Catholic stronghold, with religious significance dating back to biblical accounts. Malta is referenced in the New Testament—in the 28th book of Acts—as its inhabitants extend the Apostle Paul their hospitality. Malta's roots as a Christian society feature prominently in The Jew of Malta, coming to bear in the conflicts featured between Maltese Jews and Christians. It is evident from the behavior of Ferneze—as well as other religious and government officials in the play—that Christianity is the dominant religion in their society, while Jewish people comprise a minority group. As a consequence of this, Christians are able to exert majority power in government and military institutions, maintaining the implicit threat of retaliatory violence if Jewish people refuse to comply, no matter how unreasonable or discriminatory the demand.
