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History of Malta |
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The islands of Malta have a rich and varied history which has made Malta the
fascinating place it is today. The pre-history of Malta dates back to around
5200 BC when man first arrived in Malta. It is believed the first inhabitants of
Malta came from Sicily and where mainly farming and fishing communities. Living
in caves and open dwellings Malta became their new home. They erected temples
and other structures throughout the islands which can still be seen today. This
was known as the tmple period and lasted between 3600BC - 2500BC. No-one really
knows what happened to the people of this period as they seem to have simply
disappeared. At around 1000BC the islands were colonised by the Pheonicians and
used as a base to expand trading and exploration in the mediterranean. |
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They remained here for over 300 years introducing glass making to the islands
during this time. In 400BC the islands came under the the control of the
Carthaginians and later during the punic wars under the control of the romans in
210BC. Next to conquer the islands were the Arabs in 535AD bringing many changes
to the islands including the modification of the ancient city of Mdina, which
stil stands today and is a major attraction on the island of Malta.
Following the arab rule of the islands Malta was once again thrown into conflict
and eventually taken over by the Normans under Roger II of Sicily. During the
16th century the Turks began expanding their empire which drove the Knights of
St. john out of Rhodes. King Charles V gave the island of Malta to the Knights.
the Knights had a majot influence on these islands building churches, palaces
and even the fortified city of Valletta during their time here.
The Knights remained in Malta for the next 275 years defending the island from
the Turks during the great siege of 1565. In 1798 the French under Napolean took
control of the island but this only lasted two years as they were ousted by the
maltese with the help of the british. The British remained here until 1964,
bringing many changes including the euse of the english language, the political
system in co-operation with the maltese and the legal system.
Much of the presence of the british is evident throughout Malta today. In
1964 Malta became and independant state and later in 1974 a republic. In
1990 the maltese appled for membership of the European Union and finally joined
in 2004. |
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© Try Malta.net 2012
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