The beginnings of nursing can be traced back to many ancient cultures, such as those in Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Israel. In its early years, nursing was closely entwined with religious orders and faith communities. During the Christian crusades, nursing orders such as the knight of st. John, the Teutonic knights and the knights of st. Lazarus was established, persisting even today. Individual deacons, deaconesses, and roman matrons cared for sick individuals and were instrumental in the organization and building places for the sick.
