10 Fascinating Facts About Malta’s Megalithic Temples - Did You Know?
Ġgantija
Malta is home to some of the world’s oldest and most mysterious structures, its megalithic temples. Incredibly, these prehistoric marvels predate the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge, yet they remain relatively unknown outside archaeological circles. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Malta’s megalithic temples that highlight their historical and cultural significance.
- Among the Oldest Free-Standing Structures in the World
Malta’s temples date back to around 3600 BCE, making them some of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. They were built even before the Great Pyramid of Giza and Britain’s Stonehenge.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The major megalithic temples, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ġgantija, Ta’ Ħaġrat, and Skorba are all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their extraordinary archaeological importance.
Ħaġar Qim
- Built Without Metal Tools
The ancient builders had no access to metal tools, yet they managed to cut and transport massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 50 tonnes. They likely used wooden rollers, levers, and spherical stones to move these enormous stones.
- An Advanced Understanding of Astronomy
Many of the temples, such as Mnajdra, are aligned with celestial events. The Mnajdra complex is precisely positioned so that on the equinoxes, sunlight streams directly through the temple’s entrance, indicating an advanced knowledge of astronomy.
Skorba
- Mysterious Purpose
While their exact purpose remains uncertain, most scholars believe the temples were used for religious and ceremonial functions, possibly dedicated to fertility rites and ancestor worship.
- Intricate Carvings and Decorations
The temples feature detailed carvings of spirals, animals, and plant motifs, as well as unique altar designs. The Tarxien Temples are particularly famous for their intricate artwork and sculptures.
Mnajdra
- The ‘Fat Lady’ Statues
Archaeologists have uncovered numerous statues of corpulent, female figures, often referred to as the ‘Fat Ladies’ or ‘Mother Goddess’ statues. These suggest a possible worship of fertility or a matriarchal belief system.
- Ġgantija: The ‘Giant’s Tower’
The Ġgantija temples on Gozo derive their name from the Maltese word for ‘giant,’ as local legends claim they were built by a race of giants. Given the size of the stones used, this belief is somewhat understandable!
Tarxien
9. They Were Buried for Centuries
Many of the temples were hidden beneath the earth for centuries before being rediscovered. Some, like Tarxien, were uncovered in the early 20th century by farmers who stumbled upon large stone blocks while ploughing their fields.
- An Enduring Mystery
Despite extensive research, we still don’t know exactly how these ancient people built the temples or why their civilisation eventually disappeared. Theories range from climate change to external invasions, but no definitive answers have been found.
If you are planning to visit the islands, make sure a trip to one of the ancient temples is at the top of your bucket list!
