 It is apparent that the populations of Malta and Gozo along with the nobility were divided on the question on who should be Marquis of Malta, which led to widespread violence throughout both islands, especially after Moncada lost favour in Sicily.He finally lost Malta in 1397 while Artale II Alagona held to the Castrum Maris until a year later in 1398.During the period of 1398-1420 control of the Islands fell to the early Universita, a local government elected by the local nobility to safe guard their rights in the islands and maintain day-to-day management.