Magical Malta Introduction

Magical Malta Introduction

Key information to take away from this module:

 
• The broad and vast history of the Maltese archipelago.
 
• A total of 11 civilizations have called Malta home with the most notable mentioned.
 
• The blend of cultures that have existed across the millennia.

History

Prehistoric Period:

Malta's prehistoric era is marked by the construction of impressive megalithic temples, such as Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, dating back to around 3600-2500 BCE. These temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Alongside this, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum dating back to 3000 BCE is a subterranean sanctuary and necropolis (housing the remains of more than 7000 people). Our megalithic temples and hypogeum are two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Malta.

The function of these megalithic temples has long been debated with some reasoning that they were shelter and accommodation for the indigenous population, whilst others have proposed that they were shrines or places of worship to the ancient deities. Interestingly, none of the temples align to one constellation (stars were the ancient focal point of worship) however all correlate to the position of the Cygnus Star from the proposed period in time at which they were built, showing us that each megalithic structure was built at different stages in the Neolithic eon.

For the Hypogeum, the number of entrants is restricted each day for the purpose of conservation, so it is recommended to book at least 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Phoenician and Roman Rule:

Malta was colonized by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE and later became part of the Roman Empire in 218 BCE. During Roman rule, Malta flourished as a trading hub and experienced significant urban development.

Many Phoenician artifacts can be found in the National Museum of Archaeology for those who wish to explore the Punic past of the islands. Some of these are incredibly Egyptian in style and influence, but that does not necessarily mean that the Egyptians visited Malta, but more so that the Phoenicians were great admirers of this ancient civilization. One of the greatest remnants of this period can be found below the water in the form of a sunken shipwreck that forms part of our expansive scuba diving offering.

In the 2nd century BCE, the Romans claimed the islands of Malta, bringing with them a period of prosperity, expanding the city of Mdina and remaining on the island for the following 800 years. During this time, the apostle St. Paul was shipwrecked on the islands, bringing with him Christianity, which is very much part of the culture today. After the split of the Roman Empire, the archipelago became part of the Eastern empire, which later became the Byzantine civilization, and the islands fell under Arab rule.

Medieval Period:

Arab Rule: In 870 CE, Malta was conquered by the Arabs, bringing Islamic influence to the islands. Arab rule lasted until 1090 when the Normans expelled the Arabs. The Maltese archipelago was heavily influenced by this civilization, and we can see this in evidence by the Maltese language.

Knights of St. John: In 1530, the Knights Hospitaller, later known as the Knights of St. John, were granted Malta by the Holy Roman Emperor. The knights fortified the islands and made significant contributions to their cultural and architectural heritage. The Great Siege of Malta in 1565, repelling the Ottoman Empire's invasion, is a notable event during this period. The extent of the wealth of this time is still evident today with many sights showcasing the Knights' opulence.

French and British Rule:

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte's forces captured Malta, but their rule was short-lived, as the British expelled the French in 1800. Malta became a British colony and played a strategic role during World War II as a military base and endured heavy bombings.

Due to the Napoleonic wars of the early 1800s, Malta stayed as part of the British Empire, officially recognized in 1814. With the Crimean War and the building of the Suez Canal, Malta continued to flourish under British rule. The early 1900s saw a period of dissent which led to mass migration to countries such as the US and Australia.

During the period post-war, the British monarchy took frequent visits to Malta, and just before her coronation in 1952, Princess Elizabeth lived on the island for two years with her husband Philip, who was stationed on the archipelago. She looked back at these years with fond memories and stated that Malta was a second home to her.

Independence and Modern Era:

Independence: Malta achieved independence from British rule on September 21, 1964, becoming a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. In 1974, Malta became a republic.

Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro as its currency in 2008.

In recent years, Malta has experienced economic growth, becoming a hub for financial services, tourism, and the digital gaming industry.

It's important to note that this is a condensed summary of Malta's complex history, and there are many more specific events and nuances that shaped the country.

For more information, visit https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/