Castell San Angelo.
Phoenician Period (800 - 218 B.C.)
The history of Malta has been enriched by the various cultures brought to Malta by its occupiers throughout the centuries. The modern historical period of Malta starts with the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians are thought to have settled in Malta around 800 B.C. The Punic colony lasted until 218 B.C. We will see some of their shaft graves on Day 2.
Roman Period (218 B.C. - A.D. 870)
During this period, Malta's value as a naval base was established by the Romans. The Romans considered the Maltese as their allies and granted the islands Roman municipality status. The most significant historical event of this period and one that changed the historical course of the islands, is the conversion of the Maltese people to Christianity after St. Paul and St. Luke were shipwrecked in Malta on their way to Rome. On Malta, modern day Mdina is built over the much bigger Roman city. You can visit the catacombs of this city from beneath the cathedral and from outside the city walls.
Arab Period (A.D. 870 - 1090)
The Arabs conquered Malta around 870 A.D. Terraces of their impact are found in the language and also in the archaeology. A particularly poignant tombstone can be found in the Archaeology Museum, in the Citadella, on Gozo.
Medieval Period (A.D. 1090 - 1282)
Count Roger the Norman conquered Malta in 1090. Count Roger brought the Maltese back into the European fold. During this period, Malta became a fiefdom of a string of Sicilian kings. At one point, Malta was passed to Charles of Anjou, St. Louis' brother. The French continued to hold Malta until they were dislodged by Peter I of Aragon.
Spanish Period (A.D. 1282 - 1530)
During this period, the Maltese islands continued to be given in fief to absentee noblemen. During this time the population of Malta stood at around 9,000.
Knights of Malta Period (A.D. 1530 - 1798)
The Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem came to Malta after they were pushed out of Rhodes by the Turks. Charles V suggested the move to the Maltese archipelago as an alternative. The knights were not impressed but they had no alternative. In March of 1530, the Order was given Malta and Tripoli, in perpetual fief for the annual rent of a falcon (hence the legend of the Maltese Falcon.)
The Turks tried to capture Malta from the Knights. The Turks laid
siege on Malta (the Great Siege - A.D. 1565) but abandoned the
attempt to seize the islands after they lost over 320 ships and
30,000 killed, wounded or captured.
The base of the Knights during this period were the twin cities of Birgu and Senglea and the fortress of Castell San Angelo.
Castell San Angelo.
The Knights, eventually became known as the Knights of Malta and gave Malta the heritage of the Maltese Cross, the eight-pointed cross which was a symbol used by the knights to denote the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights.
The knights left behind many great palaces, bastions, fortifications and other historical buildings. The building of the city of Valletta came at a time when the Knights were considering abandoning Malta. However, Grand Master Jean de la Valette wanted to fortify the island. He asked the Pope of the time to help him build a city surrounded by fortifications. The pope sent Michelangelo's assistant, Francesco Laparelli in 1565 to help with the design of the city and fortifications. The City, now the capital of Malta, is named after the Grand Master. The City of Valletta has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Many of the palaces built by the Knights are now government offices and include the Prime Minister's residence and Parliament.
Valetta.
The knights surrendered Malta to Napoleon's fleet on May 10th, 1798 and the knights left Malta for Italy. The French did not last long in Malta, surrendering in 1800 following a revolt by the Maltese people. Sir Alexander Ball, an agent of the King of Naples, administered the islands until the British occupied the islands around 1814. Malta was to remain a colony of the U.K. until it became independent in 1964.
Malta played a pivotal role during the last World War and was
granted the George Cross by King George for the bravery the Maltese
people showed during numerous attempts by the Italians and the
Germans to capture the islands.
Malta became an independent country on September 21, 1964 and
is a member of the Commonwealth. On the 13th of December of 1974,
by an act of Parliament, Malta was declared a republic. The first
president of the republic was appointed in December of 1974.
The Maltese Flag.
Projects/ Points to consider.
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