Malta, a small archipelago in the central Mediterranean, boasts a rich history that spans over 7,000 years. This timeline reflects its strategic importance and diverse cultural influences. From its earliest prehistoric settlers and the construction of megalithic temples, through periods of Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab rule, Malta has been a crossroads of civilizations. The arrival of the Normans in 1090 marked the beginning of medieval European influences, which continued through subsequent rule by the French Angevins, the Crown of Aragon, and the Spanish Empire. The Knights of St. John took control in 1530, transforming Malta into a fortress island, famously withstanding the Great Siege of 1565. The French briefly occupied Malta before it became a British protectorate in 1800, under which it remained until gaining independence in 1964. Malta’s strategic location and resilience have shaped its unique cultural and historical landscape.
Chronological history of Malta
Prehistoric and Ancient Malta
- 5200 BC: First human settlers arrive in Malta.
- 3600-2500 BC: Construction of megalithic temples, some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
- 800 BC: Phoenicians from Lebanon established trading posts.
- 480 BC: Carthaginians take control of Malta.
- 218 BC: Romans conquer Malta during the Second Punic War.
- 60 AD: Shipwreck of St. Paul the Apostle; he introduces Christianity to Malta.
- 395 AD: Byzantine rule begins after the division of the Roman Empire.
- 870 AD: Arabs conquer Malta, introducing new agricultural practices and the Arabic language.
Medieval Malta
- 1090 AD: Normans capture Malta, incorporating it into the Kingdom of Sicily.
- 1266 AD: French Angevin rule begins.
- 1283 AD: Malta falls under the rule of the Crown of Aragon.
- 1412 AD: Malta becomes part of the unified Spanish Empire.
- 1530 AD: The Spanish king grants Malta to the Knights of St. John in perpetual fief.
Knights of St. John (1530-1798)
- 1565: Great Siege of Malta; the Knights and Maltese resist an Ottoman invasion.
- 1566: Founding of Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette.
- 1571: Battle of Lepanto; Malta participates in the Christian coalition against the Ottoman fleet.
- 1798: Napoleon Bonaparte captures Malta; the French occupation begins.
French and British Rule
- 1800: The Maltese revolt against the French, who surrender to the British; Malta becomes a British protectorate.
- 1814: The Treaty of Paris confirms Malta as a British colony.
- 1835: Establishment of the first Council of Government under British rule.
- 1921: Malta gains a measure of self-government with a new constitution.
- 1940-1942: Malta endures heavy bombing during World War II; awarded the George Cross by King George VI in 1942 for bravery.
- 1964: Malta gains independence from Britain.
- 1974: Malta becomes a republic.
- 2004: Malta joins the European Union.
- 2008: Malta adopts the euro as its currency.
Modern Malta
- Malta continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural and historical hub, balancing modernity with its rich heritage.
- Key landmarks include three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valletta, Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, and seven megalithic temples.
From ancient megalithic temples to its role as a fortress island during the Great Siege, Malta has been a melting pot of cultural influences. The transitions from Phoenician and Carthaginian rule to Roman and Byzantine control, followed by Arab and Norman dominance, reflect its importance across different epochs. The long tenure of the Knights of St. John left an indelible mark, culminating in the heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565. The British period brought about significant changes leading to independence in 1964 and the establishment of a republic in 1974. Today, as a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, Malta continues to blend its ancient heritage with modernity, making it a unique historical and cultural hub in the Mediterranean.
