Malta and the Maltese
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Transcript of Malta and the Maltese
MALTA AND THE MALTESEMegaliths, Falcons and Bravery
By
Jean Christophe (Chris) Robles
FACTS & FIGURES
Official name = Republic of Malta (Republikka ta’ Malta)
Size = 316km2 (122 sq. mi.)
Population = 430,000 (est.)
Capital = Valletta (197,000)
Coastline = 271km / 168 mi.
Highest peak = Ta’Dmejrek (253m / 830ft.)
Government = Unitary Parliamentary Republic
GDP = $16.3 Bn. (PPP) / 152nd in the World
GDP per Capita = $37,900 (PPP) / 44th in the World
Economy = Tourism, electronics, ship building, services
Currency = Euro (Maltese Lira before)
Religion = 88.6% Roman Catholic, 11.4% others
Language = Maltese (official), English (official)
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT MALTA
Smallest country and capital city in the EU
One of the most densely populated in the world
Archipelago of 8 islands and several rocks
No forests, mountains or rivers
Driving is on the left as in the UK
Only Semitic language using Latin script
Known by Greeks as Melitē, the ‘island of honey’
Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in 60AD
One of the world’s best natural harbours
Popeye Village is a major tourist attraction
Location for many movies and TV series
One of world’s most concentrated historical areas
Calypso Cave in Gozo mentioned in the Odyssey
Malta was once connected to the mainland
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Stone Age farmers arrive from Sicily over 7,000 years ago
Megalithic structures built from around 3,600BC
New Bronze Age farmers arrive around 2,500BC
Phoenicians set up trading colonies around 800BC
Carthaginians take over around 480BC
Under Rome from start of 2nd Punic War in 218BC
Christianity introduced in 60AD by Paul
Possible Germanic invasions after Rome’s decline
Integrated into Byzantine province of Sicily in 535AD
Under Muslim occupation from 870 to 1090
From 1091, Norman rule and integration with Sicily
In 1530, Malta given to the Knights Hospitaller
Napoleon forces Knights out in 1798
British take over in 1800 until independence in 1964
MOMENTS IN HISTORY: MEGALITHS
When first inhabitants arrive by sea from Sicily (possibly the Sicaniof Iberian origin), the islands are forested, fertile and with a varied fauna
Local Neolithic culture evolves in relative isolation, with limited exchanges with other cultures
Population grows cereals and raises livestock, hunt and fish, living in caves and simple dwellings, producing pottery and cave paintings
Evidence of worship of fertility figures (mother goddesses or ‘fat ladies’), similar to those found around Europe and Mediterranean
Around 3,600BC, start of a construction phase of large scale megalithic structures, among the oldest in the world, pre-dating Egypt and Stonehenge
By 2,500BC, construction phase (Temple Period) abruptly stops and builders seem to have vanished
Megalithic temple builders replaced by new Bronze Age culture with different burial methods and erecting dolmens, possibly coming from Sicily, probably assimilating with Phoenicians by 700BC
MOMENTS IN HISTORY: MEGALITHS
MYSTERIOUS TEMPLE BUILDERS
Culture of temple builders believed to have evolved locally from the Neolithic settlers
Society seems to have been peaceful, healthy and neither matriarchal or patriarchal
No written language left and no external accounts of period, knowledge only through archaeology
Early excavations lacked methodology making clear interpretation and dating of finds difficult
Structures believed to have been related to a fertility cult becoming dominant in society and requiring large scale building for needs of perhaps an organized cult
Importance of fertility cult likely linked to ecological depletion following human settlement that rendered land less productive due to deforestation
Evidence of animal sacrifice and ritualistic feasting
Growing obsession with cult, building needs and rituals may have led to collapse, as in Easter Island
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
Temple construction period spans 3 phases from 3600BC to 2500BC, from the Ġgantija to the Tarxien phases, with over 20 megalithic complexes on Malta and Gozo, most containing 2 or 3 individual structures encircled by a wall and following similar patterns
Temples were constructed of coralline or globigerina limestone in a cloverleaf floorplan, with a monumental entrance leading to a central corridor flanked by hemispheric chambers (apses)
Entrances are typically horizontal arches (post and lintel trilithons); roofs were likely made of animal hides supported by timber poles
Temple shape reminding of Mother Goddess figurines proportions
Size of chambers small and not conducive to public worship
Chambers had decorated walls and stone sacrificial altars inside
Individual stones weighed up to 20 tons, with the largest weighing over 50 tons, transported from over a kilometre away
Many of the structures are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mystery surrounds the temple period, such as the discovery and mysterious disappearance from public view of strange elongated skulls, a huge number of cart tracks despite no evidence of wheel use during the Neolithic and the presence of cannonball size stone balls
ĠGANTIJA TEMPLE COMPLEX
Found on Gozo island
Means ‘Giant’s Towers’
Earliest megalithic complex
Built in 3600BC
Among world’s oldest
UNESCO World Heritage
Faces Equinox sunrise
Spherical stones presumed to be used as ball bearings
ĦAĠAR QIM TEMPLE COMPLEX
Found on Malta island
Means ‘Standing Stones’
Dates from Ġgantija phase
Complex of 3 temples built
across phases
Built with globigerina
limestone, yet best preserved
Numerous statuettes of deities
uncovered
Layout differs from other
temples
ĦAL-SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM
Built throughout temple period, but mostly from 3300BC
to 3000BC (Saflieni phase), discovered in 1902
World’s only known underground prehistoric temple
Some of the 32 underground chambers mimic surface
temples and are finely carved out of the rock on 3 levels
One chamber produces a peculiar acoustic resonance
Numerous figurines of ‘fat ladies’, including famous
sleeping lady
Possibly a place for initiation rituals and ‘temple sleep’
Was possibly first a place for worship, then became a
necropolis
Bones of up to 7,000 people unearthed from site
To preserve site, only 8 groups of 10 visitors allowed daily
UNESCO listed World Heritage Site
TARXIEN TEMPLES
On Malta island near the Hypogeum
Tarxien phase represents the peak of the temple building civilisation
Characterised by elaborately carved temple decorations and sculpted artefacts
Discovery in 1914 led to development of modern archaeological methods and to a revival of Maltese national identity
LONG SKULLS AND CART RUTS
Among the bones from the Hypogeum 11 elongated skulls were found, one with an ‘impossible’ cranial anomaly
Skulls displayed until 1985, but since hidden from public and rarely seen by experts
Tales of deeper levels in the Hypogeum, strange effects of 110 Hz acoustic resonance on emotions and on matter, mysterious visions by a British diplomat and a story of disappearing children have led to fantastic theories
The world’s largest concentration of cart ruts, most likely from the Bronze Age but thought to be much older and seemingly defying explanation as to their practical use, has compounded to the mysteries surrounding Malta
From Atlantis, to ancient priestly races, aliens and UFOs, theories abound
MOMENTS IN HISTORY: FALCONS
After the Norman conquest, Malta’s history is closely linked to that of Sicily under the different rulers of the Kingdom of Sicily
The German Hohenstaufen follow the Normans, then the Angevins who are succeeded by the Aragonese
During Aragonese rule, Malta is given as personal fiefs by the Crown of Aragon to various nobles as a reward for services rendered
Malta goes to Castile in 1412, and then becomes part of the Spanish Empire when Aragon and Castile are united
In 1530, the Spanish King Charles V, also Holy Roman Emperor, at the instigation of Pope Clement VIII, grants Malta, Gozo and Tripoli to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, who had been without a home since being ousted from Rhodes by the Ottomans in 1523
The grant is made on 23 March 1530, with the Grand Master of the Order of St. John having to pay, among other conditions, an annual tribute of one falcon to the Emperor and to his mother Queen Joanna of Castile, as monarchs of Sicily
THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta originates with the Christian Crusades of the 11th and 12th
centuries
In around 1050, Italian merchants are given permission by the Fatimid Caliph to build a hospital in Jerusalem on the site of the monastery of St. John the Baptist, to care for pilgrims to the Holy Land
Under the administration of the Blessed Gerard, the hospital grows in importance, especially after the success of the First Crusade and the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, opening other establishments along the pilgrimage route to Jerusalem
In 1113, Pope Paschal II recognizes the hospital as an independent religious order subject only to the papacy
The Order grows, taking on military roles as well to protect Christian pilgrims, and acquiring wealth from donations
Gradually, the Order becomes a formidable fighting force, achieving recognition throughout Europe
THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA
After the fall of Jerusalem to the Muslims, the Knights of the Order of St. John move first to Cyprus and then in 1310 make the island of Rhodes their new home, from where they develop into an also formidable naval force, chiefly defending Christendom against the Ottoman Turks
Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent defeats the Knights and ousts them from Rhodes in 1523
After a few years without a home, the Knights move to Malta, ceded to them by the King of Spain in exchange of the Tribute of the Maltese Falcon
Fearing Ottoman attacks, the Knights build fortifications, while continuing to battle for naval domination of the Mediterranean with Ottomans
In 1565, the Ottomans attack Malta. Though vastly outnumbered, the Knights and the Maltese will repeal the invaders after a long and bloody siege (the Siege of Malta)
The Christian victory in Malta marks a decisive turn in the fight against the Ottomans, consolidated a few years later at Lepanto, where the Knights will take part
THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA
Following the Siege of Malta, grateful Christian monarchs and nobles donate to the order and join in numbers, swelling the Order’s coffers
Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Order’s Grand Master at the time of the siege, lays plans to construct a new city, the first planned city in Europe, later named Valletta in his honour
Valletta sees the construction of impressive fortifications, grand palaces and churches, enriched by works of art from the likes of Caravaggio, as well as construction of aqueducts, hospitals, Schools of Medicine and a University
In following years, the Knights at first help to police the Mediterranean against the Turks and the pirates, but loss of purpose and of funds will lead to financial and moral decline, gradually loosing favour with the locals
In 1651, the Order briefly held 4 colonies in the Caribbean
Napoleon on his way to Egypt takes the islands in 1798, with little resistance from the Knights, and expels the Order
After years dispersed in Russia and Europe, the Order eventually settles in Rome in 1834, with extraterritorial privileges as a sovereign order
ORDER OF MALTA TODAY
‘Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum’
After settling in Rome, the Order reorganized itself, ceasing its military activities to concentrate on its original mission as hospitallers, and abandoning its division in ‘Langues’ for National Associations instead
Today the bulk of its activities are in the medical, social, disaster relief and humanitarian fields
Now a lay religious order of the Catholic Church, it has over 13,500 Knights, Dames and Chaplains, mostly non aristocratic lay members, plus some 80,000 permanent volunteers and 25,000 mostly medical employees
The Order operates through 12 Priories, 47 national Associations, 1 worldwide relief agency and 33 Volunteer Corps, running projects as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres, day-care centres and specialist foundations in some 120 countries
With a sovereign status, the order, headed by an elected Grand Master, has observer status at the United Nations and various international organizations, has diplomatic missions in 106 countries and issues its own passports, currency, stamps and number plates
With more than 9 centuries in existence, it is the world’s oldest surviving order of chivalry
TRIBUTE OF THE MALTESE FALCON
The annual payment to the monarchs of Sicily of a Maltese falcon was one of the conditions for the cession of Malta to the Order of St. John
Payment of the tribute was on All Saints Day (1st November), with the falcon delivered to the Viceroy of Sicily
The Maltese peregrine falcon, the planet’s fastest animal, was a highly prized bird used in medieval falconry and a symbol of loyalty
The symbolic tribute was a reminder that Malta was ceded on a feudal contract basis, with provisions for the return of Malta should the Order leave
The Knights of Malta paid the annual tribute until 1798
A detective novel by Dashiell Hammett loosely inspired by this story was famously adapted for the screen
The 1941 Oscar nominated Maltese Falcon movie by John Huston starring Humphrey Boggart became a Film Noir classic
Mystery has surrounded the falcon props used in the movie, with different claims of authenticity for remaining statues, some of which sold at auctions for high prices
Peregrine falcons have returned to the islands for the first time since the 1980s, and are breeding on Gozo
MOMENTS IN HISTORY: BRAVERY
In 1800, the British help the Maltese to oust the French
The Maltese do not want the Knights to return
In 1814, Malta is recognized as a British colony
On 10 June 1940, Italy declares war on Great Britain
On 11 June, Italy’s aviation starts bombarding lightly defended Malta
The bombing campaign continues, between Italian and Germans, until November 1942
The Allies counterattack, send reinforcements and inflict damage on Axis forces and shipping
MOMENTS IN HISTORY: BRAVERY
Malta was one the most intensively bombed areas during the war, with supplies often cut by Axis’ attacks on convoys
On 15 April 1942, King George VI awards the George Cross for gallantry to the entire population and defenders of ‘the island fortress of Malta’ in recognition of their bravery and heroism in withstanding the bombing onslaught and siege
This had a propaganda value and Malta could not fall
In 1943, the Allied invasion of Sicily is launched from Malta
MALTA TODAY
After the War, reconstruction began, alongside increased home rule, with integration with the UK being considered at one point
In 1964, the State of Malta gains independence within the Commonwealth and with the Queen as Head of State
In 1971, firebrand politician Dominic ‘Dom’ Mintoff is elected Prime Minister for a second time, initiating wide ranging changes
Malta becomes a Republic in 1974, still in the Commonwealth, and the last British troops leave in 1979, with Malta for the 1st
time since before the Phoenicians free of interference by outside powers
Dom Mintoff implements social policies, and courts relations with Libya, the Soviet Union, China and North Korea, playing off the superpowers and giving Malta a voice beyond its size, while maintaining neutrality and pursuing peace
In December 1989, while the Iron Curtain was being lifted, George H W Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev hold a summit off the Malta coast considered to mark the end of the Cold War
Following a referendum, Malta joins the EU in 2004, of which it currently holds the presidency
In 2008, Malta joined the Euro zone, abandoning the Maltese Lira
MALTA TODAY
Since independence Malta’s economy has diversified from its shipping and dockyard dominated economy
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, financial services, film production and tourism make for an advanced and prosperous economy
Though preserving, enhancing or restoring its past, a number of new flagship projects have enhanced Malta’s modern aspect
Real estate is also booming, with new developments catering for tourists and retirees
Malta receives over 1.6M tourist arrivals yearly, more than 3 times it’s local population
THE MALTESE
Maltese language is spoken by all, majority speaks English, about 2/3 speaks Italian and about 17% French, making Malta one of the most multilingual countries in the EU
Maltese are mostly Roman Catholic, which is the state religion, though the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion
Divorce was illegal until 2011
Main festivals are religious in nature
Maltese traditional boats, the luzzus, are brightly coloured with a double ended hull and a pair of painted ‘eyes of Osiris’ for protection
Maltese cuisine has strong Mediterranean influences, with rabbit being a favourite and pastizzi being a must try
Hand made lace, hand blown glass, fly swatters and model buses are some of the sought after local handicrafts
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
Valletta, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, will be the European Capital of Culture in 2018
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
SIGHTSEEING IN MALTA
GRAZIE! MERCI ! THANK YOU!
NEXT: MOORISH SPAINRise And Fall of al-Andalus
Happy Maltese explorations!