Ancient Temples Of Malta
October 27th, 2009 | 
Author: Ancient Temples Of Malta
On the sun drenched island of Malta south of Sicily and North of Tunisia temples can be found which date back as far as any in the known world. Such a variety and quality of temples have been found on this little island that visitors historians archaeologists and students from around the globe have travelled to view their wonders which span the archipelago of the three islands Malta Gozo and Comino.
With a history full of Knights invading and marauding empires and strategic importance Malta is in many ways a living museum to the great architectural forces of the past two thousand years but its temples predate everything else by a long shot and give an insight into times as far back as 5400 B.C; the earliest date from which evidence of settlers on the island has been found.
The Maltese Paleochristian catacombs of Abbatija TadDejr are richly decorated and some of the most important Christian catacombs South of Rome. Dating back to the late Roman and Byzantine period Mass was still celebrated here until 1575 and the site on the outskirts of the town of Rabat is still open to the public today. These are an excellent example of the history of Christianity on the island but further back other religions were dominant on the island.
The Ggantija Temples in Xaghra on Maltas neighbouring island of Gozo date back to between 3200 3600 BC with a boundary wall containing Megaliths large single stones exceeding five metres in length and weighing over fifty tons. The name Ggantija is Maltes for giant and local folklore tells of a giantess named Sansuna who built the temples in a day by carrying the huge stones on her back with her baby under her arm. Many of the temples on Malta and Gozo have been linked to the idea of fertility motherhood and the cycles of life and the stars. Ggantija is thought to be the oldest free standing structure in the world and is still open to visitors today.
The temple at Hagar Qim also dates back to the Ggantija phase of Maltas history between 3600 3200 B.C. It is known for the precision with which the giant megalithic stones have been placed together a precision and level of skill which can only be compared to the architects of the Valley Temple next to the Sphinx in Egypt which the temples at Hagar Qim predate significantly. Statues of what are thought to be a mother goddess have been moved from the temple to the museum in Maltas capital Valletta and the theme of the Mother Goddess pervades the structure with its womblike configuration and phallic menhirs marking its entrance. Evidence of rituals and worship have been found here and at the neighbouring temple of Mnajdra where the skill and artistry of the architects seems to have grown further. Although some of the finest specimens of megalithic temples in the world many of the islands heritage sites are in need of conservation and Maltese bodies such as Heritage Malta and Din LArt Helwa have begun to carry out the necessary work and fundraising to ensure these important structures survive.
There are many other temples and religious sites on the islands with a variety of different visitors; those wishing to study these amazing structures those whove just come to get a glimpse of the past artists who want to paint them and students and families having a picnic in beautiful surroundings. Whatever peoples reasons the temples stand as monuments to culture and civilisation in Malta and are much loved by this forwardlooking island which embraces its unique and mysterious past.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Tom West has lived and worked in Malta and now writes short works of fiction as well as articles.
Use these links to find out more about Malta
Related posts:
Posted in Travel
