History of Malta

Facade Hagar Qim

Tarxien fat lady

Malta Valletta BW 2011-10-07 15-08-04

Cippus - Louvre

Sudika Rabat Domus Romana

History of Malta

The History of Malta is a long and complex narrative that spans several millennia, from the earliest human settlements to its current status as a republic within the European Union. Malta's strategic location in the central Mediterranean has made it a crucial naval base and a crossroads of cultures throughout history.

Prehistoric Malta

The earliest inhabitants of Malta arrived around 5900 BCE, likely from Sicily, which is about 93 kilometers to the north. These first settlers introduced a Neolithic culture that is best exemplified by the Ġgantija temples on Gozo, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. The temple period lasted until about 2500 BCE, with the Tarxien phase being the most sophisticated period of Maltese prehistory.

Phoenicians and Romans

Around 800 BCE, the Phoenicians, skilled sailors and traders from the eastern Mediterranean, established settlements on Malta, using it as a stopover on their trade routes. In 218 BCE, during the Second Punic War, Malta came under the control of the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, Malta prospered, with the construction of the city of Melite (modern Mdina) and significant advancements in the economy and culture. The Apostle Paul is said to have been shipwrecked on Malta in 60 CE, bringing Christianity to the island.

Middle Ages

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Malta experienced a period of decline before being conquered by the Byzantine Empire in 533 CE. In the 9th century, Malta fell under Arab control, which introduced new agricultural practices, irrigation systems, and the Siculo-Arabic language, which would evolve into the Maltese language. The Normans conquered Malta in 1091, integrating it into the Kingdom of Sicily and later the Holy Roman Empire.

Knights of Malta

In 1530, Emperor Charles V granted Malta to the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights fortified the island, most notably constructing the capital city of Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, who successfully defended the island during the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. The Knights' rule lasted until 1798 when Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta en route to his Egyptian campaign.

British Rule

The Maltese people rebelled against French rule, and with British assistance, Malta became a British protectorate in 1800, later a colony within the British Empire. Malta played a vital role in the British naval strategy, serving as the headquarters for the British Mediterranean Fleet. The island was heavily bombarded during World War II, enduring one of the most prolonged sieges in military history. In recognition of the Maltese people's bravery, King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta in 1942.

Independence and Republic

Malta gained independence from Britain on 21 September 1964 and became a republic within the Commonwealth on 13 December 1974. In recent decades, Malta has developed a strong economy based on tourism, manufacturing, and services. It joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008.

Conclusion

The history of Malta is a testament to its strategic importance and resilience. From prehistoric temples to the Knights Hospitaller, and from British rule to EU membership, Malta's history is rich with cultural and historical significance.