Megalithic Temples of Malta
The Megalithic Temples of Malta are several prehistoric temples, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, built during three distinct periods approximately between 3600 BC and 2500 BC on the island country of Malta. They had been claimed as the oldest free-standing structures on Earth until the discovery of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Archaeologists believe that these megalithic complexes are the result of local innovations in a process of cultural evolution. This led to the building of several temples of the Ġgantija phase, culminating in the large Tarxien temple complex, which remained in use until 2500 BC. After this date, the temple-building culture disappeared.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
Charcoal found on site at Skorba was crucial in dating the Maltese Temple phases.
An altar in the Tarxien temple complex
The megalithic remains at Ġgantija
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago between Italy, Tunisia and Libya. It lies 80 km (50 mi) south of Sicily and Italy, 284 km (176 mi) east of Tunisia, and 333 km (207 mi) north of Libya. The two official languages are Maltese, the only Semitic language in Europe and the European Union, and English. The country's capital is Valletta.
Ġgantija megalithic temple complex
Roman mosaic from the Domvs Romana
Roger I of Sicily returned Malta to Christian rule.
St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina built in the Baroque style