Malta's Megalithic Temples (4100-2500 BCE)

Neolithic and Bronze Age Temple locations on Malta. (Image from https://themaritimeexplorer.ca/2021/12/06/hagar-qim/)

The Temples of Neolithic Malta: Current Interpretations and New Data

(November 26, 2024) Excellent video on Neolithic Malta by the The Ulster Archaeological Society

Posible trade routes during the Iron Age (1100- 300 BCE) showing the location of Malta as a small island in the middle of no-where. Yet it is easily reached by boat by sailing south along the eastern coast of Sicily (not shown on this map) without changing direction. (Image from https://carthagemagazine.com/carthaginian-trade-routes-of-ancient-carthage/)
Archaeological time periods on Malta. Chart from: Gregory, I.V. (2017)
Archaeological time periods on Malta. Chart from: Gregory, I.V. (2017) Tradition, Time and Narrative: Rethinking the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands. Online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309415830_Tradition_Time_and_Narrative_Rethinking_the_Late_Neolithic_of_the_Maltese_Islands

Malta

(Jan. 12, 2023) Malta was settled  about 5000 BC as indicated by materials which could be carbon-14 dated acquired from alongside a wall  at Skorba. From the start the settlers were fully agricultural showing no signs of hunting and gathering activity. They raised various cereal crops along with sheep, goat, cattle and pigs. These were not native to the islands and so must have arrived with the settlers. Other long distance sea voyages are evidenced by the 8000 BC obsidian trade between mainland Greece and the island of Melos. This was an open water distance of about 100 km (45 miles) which is roughly the same distance as Malta to Sicily.

The earliest pottery on Malta consists of an impressed ware that was virtually identical that used in Sicily.  Overseas contacts were maintained throughout the Neolithic with obsidian from the Lipari Islands  north of Sicily and from Pantelleria, an island lying between Sicily and Tunisia. However, the amounts involved were quite small and contact seems to have diminished over time.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta (Ġgantija, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Ta’ Ħaġrat and Tarxien) are prehistoric monumental buildings constructed during the 4th millennium BC and the 3rd millennium BC. They rank amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world and were built similarly to Dolmens.

 The interiors of the buildings are formed of semi-circular chambers usually referred to as apses, symmetrically arranged on either side of the main axis. The number of apses varies from building to building. Some have three apses opening off the central court, while others have successive courts with four, five, and in one case even six apses.

The earliest interiors were plastered and painted with red ochre, the color of life. Later interiors were decorated with intricately carved spirals on steps and altars, friezes of farm animals, fish and snakes, and a simple pattern of pitted dots. Still evident are wall sockets for wooden barriers or curtains and niches for ritual activities.

The temple builders used locally available limestone. They used hard coralline limestone for external walls and the softer globigerina limestone for the more sheltered interiors and decorated elements.

Around 2500 BCE Malta was invaded by the Indo-Europeans  and their Druid culture was extinguished. 

Information from: https://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/malta_temples

Earliest Pottery Label (4100-3800 BCE)

Grey and red were early pottery colors. This likely had a spiritual significance with red being for life activities and gray being for emotional/motion actives such as beer.
This shows a human figurine composed of only straight lines. From Google Arts and Culture at https://artsandculture.google.com/story/extraordinary-details-unveiling-the-history-of-malta-national-museum-of-archaeology/IAVRDd-IZD9iJw?hl=en

Early Malta Pottery (5200-4500)

Red Skorba Pottery from Malta with Crescent Moons Representing Ayu (4400-4100)

The crescent moons represent the connective life goddess Ayu. The life power theme corresponds to the red color. This red Skorba ware  was slipped (dunked in a thin solution of clay and water) and then burnished to a bright red sheen. This connection with red with crescent moons indicates the spiritual motivation behind the coloring.
Photo from: https://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/malta_temples/maltaTemples02_settlement.html

Skorba Site Today (4500-4100 BCE)

The Skorba site is close to the later Ta’ Hagrat site. It was occupied throughout the Neolithic Period, from the Ghar Dalam phase right through to the Bronze Age. Prior to the Temple Period it was the site of a small village.
It produced many early artifacts but its stone temples date to a 3600 BCE.
Photo from Continentaleurope via Wikimedia Commons at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skorba_Tmeples3.jpeg

Skorba Temple Map  (4500-4100 BCE)

There are two adjacent temples on the site.  Skorba West (left), belonging to the Ggantija Phase (c. 3600-3200 BC) and a four-apse temple, Skorba East, from the Tarxien Phase (c. 3150-2500 BC). The older one was in a little better shape than its neighbour—much of the back half is still standing at any rate. A paved entrance passage, pierced by five ‘libation’ holes led into a central court
Photo and information from: https://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/malta_temples/maltaTemples03c_skorba.html
Hekate or Asher Found at Skorba Site (4400-4100 BCE)

Goddess Ayu Figurine Found at Skorba Temple, Malta (4400-4100 BCE)

The Skorba site was poorly preserved but it did produce a few finds such as this ocher covered goddess. The red ocher means it was a life power. Arms below breasts identifies the goddess as Ayu. It is displayed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, Malta.
Photo at Wikimedia Commons by Hamelin de Guettelet. Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:D%C3%A9esse-m%C3%A8re_de_Skorba.jpg
Malta Pottery (Zebbug Period 4100-3800 BCE)

Malta Pottery Zebbug Period (4100-3800 BCE)

Grey every-day pottery typical of the Zebbug period.
From: Gregory, I.V. (2017) Tradition, Time and Narrative: Rethinking the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands. Online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309415830_Tradition_Time_and_Narrative_Rethinking_the_Late_Neolithic_of_the_Maltese_Islands

Figurines from Xaghra Tombs (4100 to 3800 BC)

Tallest one is 18.5 cm. They are now displayed at the Ġgantija museum.
From: Gregory, I.V. (2017) Tradition, Time and Narrative: Rethinking the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands. Online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309415830_Tradition_Time_and_Narrative_Rethinking_the_Late_Neolithic_of_the_Maltese_Islands
Also at: http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/00026.pdf

Xagħra Stone Circle Underground Tomb (4100 to 3800 BC)

The Xaghra circle site was originally dug up and destroyed in 1826. What remained was properly excavated between in 1987-94 by  the University of Malta, Maltese Museums Department, and the University of Cambridge. The excavation uncovered the burial ground which practiced its rituals in the nearby Ggantija temple, dating principally to the period from 3000 to 2400 BC. The most notable discoveries include more than 200,000 human body parts.
Photo by Hamelin de Guettelet via Wikimedia commons: Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hypog%C3%A9e_de_Xaghra.jpg
Another one at: http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/00026.pdf

Xagħra Underground Tomb Core Close-Up (4100 to 3800 BC)

Xaghra Circle Before Being Destroyed in 1826

The stone circle above ground enclosed a ritual area, entered through a huge stone entrance which led the mourners across a stone threshold and probably down steps into the rugged caves. At the centre, was an area enclosed by elegant megalithic trilithon altars and a massive stone bowl. The many natural caverns and niches of the caves were divided off by walls and stone slabs.
Watercolor are by Charles Brochtorff. Online at: https://web.archive.org/web/20160405052726/http://www.ancient-wisdom.com/maltaxaghra.htm

Xaghra Circle Site After Top Circle was Destroyed in 1826

This shows the original core which branched off into adjacent cave tombs.
Watercolor are by Charles Brochtorff.  Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aquarelle_de_Charles_de_Brochtorff_de_1825.jpg

Map of Ta' Hagrat Temples (3600-3000 BCE)


The two Ta’ Hagrat temples are amongst the earliest temple buildings in Malta and are extremely well preserved. The larger dates to 3600-3200 BC and the smaller to 3300-3000 BC. The plentiful pottery found at this site suggests that these two temples were built on top of an earlier village. Finds from this site include a unique discovery – a small limestone model of a building.
The larger temple is set in the middle of a large semicircular forecourt and the impressive façade with a monumental doorway was reconstructed in 1937. Two steps lead up to the main entrance and a corridor flanked by huge uprights of coralline limestone.
Image by Hamelin de Guettelet via Wikimedia Commons. Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plan_des_temples_de_Ta%27Hagrat.png

Reconstructed Doorway to Ta' Hagrat Temple Complex

Image by Ed88 via Wikimedia Commons. Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ta%27Hagrat2.jpg

Model Temple Found at Ta' Hagrat Temple

The walls seem to be made of the same slabs of stone as seen in the temple remains. The roof however, is curved and smooth indicating a non-stone material. On display at the National Museum of Archaeology at Valletta, Malta
Image by Hamelin de Guettelet via Wikimedia Commons. Online at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mod%C3%A8le_de_temple_Ta%27Hagrat.jpg
Tal-Qadi Temple Star Chart/Calendar

Tal-Qadi Star Calendar (3300 and 3000 BC)

Neolithic farmers needed to know when to plant crops in the spring so they used the rising and setting positions of the heavenly bodies to made those determinations. 
On display at the National Museum of Archaeology at Valletta, Malta
Photo by Matthew Axiak via WikiMedia Commons. Online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stone_from_Tal-Qadi_Temple,_National_Museum_of_Archaeology,_Valletta_001.jpg
Tal-Qadi Temple Star Chart/Calendar

Drawing of Tal-Qadi Star Calendar (3300 and 3000 BC)

Assuming this chart originally made a complete circle or it was a part of an assemblage which made a circle (more likely due to its straight edges), it would have had 16 sections with 12 representing the months (moon periods) and 4 representing seasonal markers such as the halve circle above.  The half circle likely represents a rising sun so it marks the spring equinox. No constellations can be identified on this chart so it was probably a simple calendar used to keep track of the months. The marks at the bottom were labels for each month.
Wikimedia Commons online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Himmelstafel.Tal-Qadi.2048.png
Tal-Qadi Temple Wall Section

Tal-Qadi Temple Wall Section (3300 and 3000 BC)

Tal-Qadi temple was built during the Tarxien phase between 3300 and 3000 BC and continued in use until the end of the island's Druid civilization around 2500 BCE. It was excavated in 1927 and mapped with modern techniques in 1952.  Today, the temple is in poor condition, with few remains visible apart from its general outline.
Tal-Qadi is the only temple in Malta which is orientated to the north-east. Most other temples face the south or south-east, but in the case of Tal-Qadi this would not have been possible since there is a steep slope in that direction.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons online at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malta_-_Naxxar_-_Triq_l-Imdawra_-_Tal-Qadi_Temple_09_ies.jpg
Hagar Qim Temples (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

Hagar Qim Temples (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

Map at Hagar Qim Temple visitor center. Photo from Wikimedia Commons at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23853429
Model of Largest Hagar Qim Temple

Model of Largest Hagar Qim Temple (3000-2500 BCE)

This model is on display in the Hagar Qim Temple Visitor Center. It once likely had a roof. Photo from: https://themaritimeexplorer.ca/2021/12/06/hagar-qim/

Tarxien Temples by Megalithomania 2018

Notice the Druid spirals.  Also notice the fulcrum stones shown in the video. These were not used as roller balls but as stationary fulcums. See video at bottom of this page for demonstrations.
Ancient Pagan Paradigm Objects with Owls (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

Ancient Pagan Paradigm Objects with Owls and Network (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

Two Tarxien period temple objects (one for each power class) show the lower 2 layers of the Ancient Pagan Paradigm. Object A shows the motion class of powers. The top layer is the connective layer with emotion owls to represent the transport of motion powers from the divine. Later in history this became the Athenian owl and such owls are often mentioned in Phoenician texts. The lower earth layer is represented by seated obese people.
Object B shows the life powers with network composed primarily of vertical channels which bring the life powers (fertility fluids, vibrations) to earth. The earth layer is again represented by seated obese people but in addition shows cattle.
From: Gregory, I.V. (2020) Historical Figurines from the Island of Malta. Online at:  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340679999_Figuritas_prehistoricas_de_las_islas_maltesas
Seated Obese Person from Hagar Qim (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

Seated Obese Person from Hagar Qim (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

This is a close-up of a typical seated obese person. Notice it is genderless because it is a representation of a luxurious earth and not a personified deity. This one is displayed in the Hagar Qim Temple Visitor Center.  Photo from: https://themaritimeexplorer.ca/2021/12/06/hagar-qim/
A nearly identical one is on display at the National Museum of Malta at: https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/national-museum-of-archaeology/

Hagar Qim Temple Spirals (3000-2500 BCE)

Hagar Qim Temple Altar (3000-2500 BCE)

Hagar Qim Temple Goddesses Ayu (A) and Asher (C) (3000-2500 BCE) from Malta

  1. A. "Venus" of Ħaġar Qim which is cresent moon goddess Ayu
  2. B. Female figure of Tarxien Period Temples
  3. C. Hands on breasts indicate life manifestation goddess Asher 
  4. D. Crossed Leg Fragments from Mnajdra

The red ocher means it was a life power. Arms below breasts identifies the goddess as Ayu.
From: Gregory, I.V. (2020) Historical Figurines from the Island of Malta. Online at:  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340679999_Figuritas_prehistoricas_de_las_islas_maltesas

Neolithic Temple of Mnajdra (Tarxien Period: 3000-2500 BCE)

This temple is adjacent to the Hagar Qim Temples. Image from https://sacredsites.com/europe/malta/temples_malta.html

Neolithic Temple of Mnajdra (3000-2500 BCE)

This temple is adjacent to the Hagar Qim Temples. Image from https://sacredsites.com/europe/malta/temples_malta.html
Druid Spirals on Malta Taken from Various Tombs (3600-2500 BCE)

Druid Spirals on Malta Taken from Various Tombs (3600-2500 BCE)

This photo was taken in the Tarxien Hall at the National Museum of Malta. Online at: https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/national-museum-of-archaeology/

Recent Aerial View of Ġgantija Temples after Excavation (3600-3000 BCE)

The Ġgantija temples stand at the edge of the Xagħra plateau, facing toward the south-east towards the sunrise. This megalithic monument encompasses two temples and an incomplete third, of which only the facade was partially built before being abandoned. Like Mnajdra South, it faces the equinox sunrise. The southerly one is the larger and older one, dating back to approximately 3600 BC.  The plan of the temple incorporates five large apses, with traces of the plaster that once covered the irregular wall still clinging between the blocks.
Image from: https://www.maltaigozo.pl/ggantija-temples-gozo-2/

1787 CE Engraving of Xagħra Circle (left) and Ġgantija Temples Before Any Digging

This is the earliest visual recording of the Xagħra Brochtorff Circle (left) and Ġgantija Temples (right). It is an engraving from 1787 by Houl who attempted to reconstruct the ruins from what he saw on the ground. It is now in a private collection. While the two temples are not adjacent to each other they are  both in the same region. This engraving gives their relative scale.

Reference 

Brogan, C., French, C., Taylor, S., Bennett, J., Parkinson, E. W., McLaughlin, R., Stoddart, S., & et al. (2020). Ġgantija. In Malone, Caroline. [Book chapter]. Published by:McDonald Institute for Archaeological ResearchUniversity of Cambridge.  https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.62652

Excavated "Tea Cups" from Ġgantija Temple (3600-3000 BCE)

These were excavated sometime between 2008 and 2015 from trench (context) 004

Reference 

Brogan, C., French, C., Taylor, S., Bennett, J., Parkinson, E. W., McLaughlin, R., Stoddart, S., & et al. (2020). Ġgantija. In Malone, Caroline. [Book chapter]. Published by:McDonald Institute for Archaeological ResearchUniversity of Cambridge.  https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.62652
Other book chapters listed at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348183978_Ggantija

Ġgantija Upper Left Apse (3600-3000 BCE)

Tombs at Eilat, Israel With Cooking Fires Between Them (5450–4250 BCE)

These tombs were also places of the community building ritual of eating together.

Tomb Complex Similar To That Found at Malta (Eilat, Israel 5450–4250 BCE)

More evidence of a single Mediterranean/European wide culture at this time.

Skull at Base of Massaba (Standing Stone) in Tomb (Eilat, Israel 5450–4250 BCE)

Druid tombs were centers of ancestral powers

Ġgantija Temple by Megalithomania 2022

Notice the fulcrum stones at 5:45 which were used to move the blocks.

Use of Fulcrum Stones to Move Large Blocks

The discoverer, Wally Wallington, lives near Flint, Michigan close by to where I was raised.

Summary of Findings from the 2008-2015 Archaeological Excavations at Ġgantija

A significant fact here is the mention of a drought in 3b occurring around 2000 BCE which is about the time when the Phaistos Disk was written. The Phaistos disk is a debate about such a drought.

Reference 

Brogan, C., French, C., Taylor, S., Bennett, J., Parkinson, E. W., McLaughlin, R., Stoddart, S., & et al. (2020). Ġgantija. In Malone, Caroline. [Book chapter]. Published by:McDonald Institute for Archaeological ResearchUniversity of Cambridge.  https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.62652