Year 11 History General Maltese Booklet

Page 1: General Introduction

General History Notes: Year 11 notes compiled by History teacher Ms. R. Mula for the academic year 2024-25.
School: Kullegg San Tumas More, Middle and Secondary School, Zejtun.
Historical Significance: Malta became a republic in 1974.

Definition of Prehistory: Period of history without written records; evidence exists only in artifacts and architecture discovered by archaeologists.
Three prehistorical periods in Malta:
- Neolithic Era (5000-4000 BC)
- Temple Period (Ram)
- Bronze Age
Neolithic Era: Marked the transition of humans from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming practices known as the Neolithic Revolution.
Settlement Arrival: The first settlers likely arrived from Sicily by boat, residing in caves in Gozo and Malta such as Għar Dalam and Għar il-Mixta, signaling the start of a farming lifestyle.
Agricultural Developments: Settlements constructed mud brick and timber houses; remains found at Skorba, limits of Mġarr.
Environmental Context: Malta had a warm climate and fertile land conducive for agriculture, with fish easily accessible due to surrounding seas.
Population Growth: Plausible lifestyle of hunting, fishing, herding sheep and cattle brought over from Sicily. Tools included volcanic rock and animal bones.
Notable Archaeologist: Sir Temi Zammit contributed significantly to Malta's prehistoric research.

Importance of Għar Dalam: Most significant cave with prehistoric remains indicating Malta was once connected to Sicily; remains include various animal species and pottery.
Cave Findings: Notable for the absence of human remains alongside animal fossils, indicating early human habitation occurred when Malta was still a part of mainland connected to Sicily.
Temple Period: The second prehistoric period (~4000-2500 BC) brought more advanced cultures from Sicily. Major construction of large temples commenced, believed for fertility worship.
Burial Practices: Bodies were buried beneath the ground, showcasing advanced architectural skills from the society, reflected in artwork and pottery.
Consequences of Agriculture: Over-farming led to desertification, prompting eventual abandonment of the islands by some groups due to reduced fertility.

Ħaġrat Temple: One of the oldest temples located in Mġarr, showing signs of roofing.
Ġgantija Temple: Located in Gozo, linked to temple construction, showcasing oval-shaped chambers (apsidi).
Construction Techniques: Small stone blocks were used for building and may have featured rainwater collecting systems. Temples were thought to be covered and served religious functions.
Megalithic Temples: Unique to Malta, older than Egypt's pyramids and Stonehenge in England; constructed for sacred purposes.

Transition to Bronze Age: Around 2500 BC, a shift in culture occurred, leading to reduced presence from earlier settlers, with new arrivals from Sicily using bronze tools.
Cultic Use of Temples: Earlier temples transformed into burial sites as communities shifted their practices; Dolmen structures used for defunct ceremonial purposes.
Fortification Developments: New settlers constructed defensive walls.

Silos: Storage facilities for grain were identified from the Bronze Age.
Cart-Ruts: Linear grooves found in stone indicating transport pathways during this period; raises questions about construction and usage.
Archaeological Importance: Sites date back to the arrival of the Phoenicians, marking the end of prehistory and the beginning of historical accounts.

Understanding Concepts:
1. What is "Prehistory"?
2. List the three prehistoric periods in Malta.
3. Why were Megalithic temples built?
4. Example of Megalithic temples in Malta?
5. Describe the architecture of Megalithic temples.
6. Definition of "Megalithic"?
7. List three artifacts found in temples.

Phoenicians and Carthaginians Visits: Strategic importance of Malta in the Mediterranean led to settlement by these civilizations.
Carthaginian Era: Economic activities consisted of trade, warfare, and shipping. Malta known as Melite, connected to broader trade networks.

Burial Practices: Phoenicians buried their dead in caves. How artifacts discovered relate to their societal practices.
Temple Development: Tas-Silġ temple inspired by Phoenician cultural influence.

Traditions in Burial: Practices continued and evolved with varying influence from subsequent civilizations.
Importance: Monumental architecture reflects the social and religious beliefs prevalent during these periods.

Conquest of Malta: Roman takeover strategic due to the loss of Carthaginian control over the area.
Architectural Developments: Introduction of villas and public baths, reflecting the lifestyle of senatorial elite under Rome.

Progress: Wealthy families became prominent. Villas indicate luxury living and represent significant cultural evolution.

Examples of Roman Villas: Sites such as Ramla l-Ħamra, Birżebbuġa, Iż-Żejtun, and San Pawl Milqgħi illustrate aspects of Roman domestic architecture.

Important Findings: Excavations revealed artifacts indicating daily life and social structure of the wealthy Maltese under Roman rule.

Roman Objects: Discovery of various pottery sheds light on the trade and cultural exchanges during the period.

Eastern Roman Empire: Malta's incorporation into the Byzantine realm enhances the religious and cultural landscape including the construction of catacombs and churches.

Catacombs: Locations of burial reveal early Christian settlements and their practices through evidence found in burial offerings.

Imdina's Historical Significance: Founded by the Romans and modified under Arab rule for defense purposes.

Architectural Features: Characterized by narrow streets for defensive strategy in conflicts, distinctive of Medieval European towns.

Significance: Home to significant naval and trade activities; fortified for defense against attacks.

Strategic Importance: Served as refuge for locals during conflicts, reflecting vulnerability of the area throughout history.

Defensive Characteristics: Concepts of urban defense prevalent across historical sites throughout Malta, impacting settlement patterns.

Harbour Reconstruction: Post-Knights of St. John highlighted urban transition due to the establishment of Valletta.