History
Malta History
For over 8,000 years, since Neolithic times, Malta has been populated. Remains of the earliest inhabitants can still be found on the island today. Historical landmarks, such as the Neolithic temples, still stand in the south of the island of Malta (Tarxien Temples, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra) as well as in Gozo (Ggantija). There is no denying it, Malta history is evident all around you.
Ancient Malta (c. 5200 BC – 218 BC) Neolithic Period: Malta is home to some of the world’s oldest freestanding monuments, including the Megalithic Temples, which date back to around 3600 BC. These constructions date back to the Neolithic period. ” UNESCO has designated these temples as World Heritage Sites, and they are a testament to the great architectural and creative abilities of the ancient Maltese people.
Regulation by the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians: Around the year 800 B.C., Malta was first ruled by the Phoenicians, and then by the Carthaginians. During the Punic Wars, the islands were a part of the Carthaginian Empire; however, following the Punic Wars, they were taken over by the Romans.
Roman Period: Malta history states that in the year 218 B.C., Malta was elevated to the status of a Roman province. During this time period, Malta flourished as a significant naval station and significant commerce hub.
Medieval Malta (c. 535 AD – 1530 AD) Byzantine Control: In the sixth century, with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Malta was officially placed under the control of the Byzantines.
Arab Rule: In 870 AD, the Arabs conquered Malta, leaving a lasting impact on the culture and language. The Arab period lasted until 1091 when the Norman Count Roger I of Sicily captured the islands.
Norman, Swabian, and Angevin Rule: Malta became part of the Kingdom of Sicily, passing through Norman, Swabian, and Angevin rule during the medieval period.
From 1530 to 1798, the Knights of St. John: Charles V of Spain bestowed responsibility for the islands upon the Knights of St. John, who were also referred to as the Knights Hospitaller, in the year 1530. The defenses of the islands were constructed by the knights, who also constructed the capital city of Valletta, which was named after Grand Master Jean de Valette.
During the Great Siege of Malta, which took place in 1565, the Knights were able to successfully defend the islands against the Ottoman Empire. This historic event was also crucial.
Prior to Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquest of the islands in 1798, the Knights were the dominant authorities in Malta.
French and British Rule (1798 – 1964): Malta history states that the occupation of Malta by Napoleon was brief, and in the year 1800, the island was incorporated into the British protectorate. During both the Napoleonic Wars and World War II, Malta served as a naval base for the British, which had an extremely important function. In 1964, Malta won its independence from Britain, and in 1974, it was formally established as a republic.
Modern Malta (1964 – Present): 2004 marked Malta’s entry into the European Union, while 2008 marked the year when the Euro became the country’s official currency. Over the course of the past several years, the nation has seen substantial economic growth and development, transforming into a primary center for the fields of banking, tourism, and technology.
Malta History is a Tapestry of Influences: The history of Malta is characterized by its strategic location in the Mediterranean, which has resulted in a complex tapestry of influences from a variety of civilizations throughout the course of the ages.
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