🏛️ Malta History and Culture

The first inhabitants arrive from Sicily. Malta megalithic temple builders create some of the world oldest free-standing structures — Ggantija (3600 BC) predates Stonehenge by 1,000 years.

Phoenician traders arrive, establishing Malta as a key Mediterranean trading post. The Maltese language has its roots in Semitic Phoenician.

Malta becomes part of the Roman Empire. St Paul is shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD, converting the island to Christianity — making Malta one of the first Christian territories on earth.

Arab forces take Malta, introducing Arabic influences that remain deeply embedded in the Maltese language today.

Holy Roman Emperor Charles V gives Malta to the Knights Hospitaller. They transform the island into a fortress, build Valletta and resist the Great Siege of 1565.

Napoleon seizes Malta en route to Egypt. His troops desecrate churches, sparking a Maltese rebellion. French rule lasts just two years.

Britain takes control of Malta, which becomes a crucial naval base. Malta earns the George Cross in WWII for its extraordinary resistance under siege.

Malta gains independence from Britain on 21 September 1964. Becomes a Republic in 1974. Joins the EU in 2004 and adopts the Euro in 2008.