History of Maltese Visitors

Fascinating History

The Maltese islands have attracted thousands of visitors to its prehistoric treasures which unravel an exciting world of mystery and legends.

Below is a timeline of Malta's history through the Millennia ...

7500BC

First presence of man in malta
Remains, from as early as 7500 BC can be found on Malta. These include the infamous Hypogeum, which lies more 12 feet underground and houses artifacts so ancient that many of them have never been given a date.


3600BC- 2500BC

Intriguing and unique cultures
Over 5500 years old, the Ggantija Temples are the world's oldest free-standing structures pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. These temples were possibly the site of a cult as figurines and statues were also found on discovery. In Maltese the world Ggantija meant "belonging to the giants"



1000BC

Phoenician Outpost
The Phoencians colonised the islands, building ports and using them as a central trading post.


720BC

Greeks in Malta
A Greek colony was founded on the main island.



400BC

Carthaginian Outpost
The Maltese Islands were taken over by the Carthage.


218BC

Roman Malta
The Romans began to rule the Maltese Islands. Vast archeological remains including baths, villas, farms and harbours point to a period of prosperity and cultural advancement.



60AD

Christianity in Malta
According to the Bible St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta at a place known today as St Paul's Bay.


870AD

Arab Invasion
Malta was conquered by the Arabs. Sicily, Spain and all of North Africa also came under Arab rule. Few archeological remains survived from this period.




1000-1127

Arrival of the Normans
Count Roger 1 of Sicily established Norman rule in Malta, and Christianity was strengthened on the islands once again.


1530-1798

The Knights of Malta
To protect Rome from Islamic invasion in 1530, Charles V handed Malta over to the knights of St John. In 1565, the Knights of Malta withstood a siege by the Ottoman Empire. The Knights increased the fortifications, particularly in the city of Valletta.



1798-1800

French Invasion
Napoleon seized the islands from the Knights of St John. French forces were mainly unaccepted by the Maltese who, with the Britsh navel support, rebelled, forcing them behind the fortifications, in a long blockade that ended with their surrender and departure from the island.


1800

British Malta
It was the Maltese who solicited the British to offer the island protection in their plight against the French. Britain liberated the islands and appointed Sir Alexander John Ball as Governor. As part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became part of the British Empire and was used as a shipping way-station and as the headquarters for the Mediterranean Fleet, up till 1979.



1939 - 1945

From Second World War horror to honours
The Italians, together with the Germans, attacked and attempted to invade Malta during World War II. The Italians wanted to annex the islands which they considered Italian for centuries, whilst the Germans were interested in destroying the British bases. However the Allied forces and Maltese were tough opposition and stood firm in the face of heavy bombardment. The people of Malta were awarded the George Cross for gallantry in the Second World War.


1964

Independence
Malta was granted independence from Great Britain, but retained active membership of the British Commonwealth of Nations.



2004, 2008

EU Membership
In 2004, Malta joined the European Union and in 2008 adopted the Euro as its natural currency, replacing the Lira.