Megalithic Malta

Ted. Judy and I were astounded by the age and magnificence of old temples that are scattered across the two main islands of Malta. I won’t bore you with technical definitions like Megalithic and Neolithic but this stuff is old - damned old. We visited three sites plus the National Museum of Archaeology. Obviously, there is tons of information on the internet in case you would like more details but here's a little snapshot.

Ġgantija Temples

It is believed that construction began on this complex on the island of Gozo over 5,500 years ago! That is before Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt. Yeah, everything is kind of tumbled down but one can get a sense of the effort involved. Who built these and why? Wouldn’t we all like to know!

Ħal Tarxien Complex

Perhaps a tiny bit newer than Ġgantija, these ruins have been a little bit reconstructed and covered with a large tent.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum 

Hypogeum is a Greek word meaning “underground." All of these structures were carved below ground from solid limestone. The earliest rooms which are just below the surface are about as old as the other temples found on the island but more rooms were added in the following centuries further underground. The climate is carefully controlled and only 80 visitors are permitted each day so this is the hottest ticket in Malta. No photography is permitted but Judy snatched one image from a poster in the lobby. 

For Judy and me, glimpses of the ancient world, wherever we may  wander, serve to remind us of what a truly amazing planet it is that we all share.

"The Sleeping Lady" is cherished by all Maltese