History of Malta

History of Malta

Ancient History

Malta has been inhabitated since 5200 B.C. The origin of the term Malta is uncertain. The most common etymology is that the

Malta has been inhabitated since 5200 B.C.

The origin of the term Malta is uncertain. The most common etymology is that the word Malta derives from the Greek word meli, "honey". The ancient Greeks called the island "Melitē" meaning "honey-sweet" possibly due to Malta's unique production of honey.

Many civilizations dominated the islands:

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Prehistoric temples of Malta

Phoenicians

Carthaginians

Romans

Romans

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Roman mosaic from Rabat, Malta.

Byzantines

Muslim Period and Middle Ages

In 870 B.C. Malta was conquered by Muslim invaders. They introduced new irrigation, some fruits and cotton.

In 870 B.C. Malta was conquered by Muslim invaders. They introduced new irrigation, some fruits and cotton.

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The Marrakech mosque in Malta

From 1091 Malta was controlled by the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Sicily: The Normans, the Hohenstaufen and the Aragonese.

From 1091 Malta was controlled by the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Sicily: The Normans, the Hohenstaufen and the Aragonese.

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Norman house door in Malta

Modern period

In 1530 Charles V gave Malta the Order of the Kinghts of Saint John. The Knights founded La Valletta, Malta's capital.

In 1530 Charles V gave Malta the Order of the Kinghts of Saint John. The Knights founded La Valletta, Malta's capital.

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Cross of the Knights of Malta

In 1789 Napoleon conquered Malta.

In 1789 Napoleon conquered Malta.

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Capitulation (resa) of Malta to general Bonaparte

In 1814 the island became part of the British Empire.

In 1814 the island became part of the British Empire.

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British Empire's flag

Indipendence

Malta achieved its indipendence from United Kingdom in 1964 and it became a republic in 1974.

Malta achieved its indipendence from United Kingdom in 1964 and it became a republic in 1974.

Important Characters

Saint Paul was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D. and introduced the Christianity.

Saint Paul was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D. and introduced the Christianity.

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1-What's the most common consideration about etymology of the word Malta?2-Which civilizations dominated Malta?3-Which invasion did begin in Malta in 870 A.D.? What did they introduce?4-Who founded La Valletta?5-When did Napoleon conquer Malta?6-When did the island become a republic?

Caravaggio worked in Malta during the age of the Knights.

Caravaggio worked in Malta during the age of the Knights.

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A painting made in Malta by Caravaggio