Malta's history — key periods and events

Malta's human history begins approximately 5,200 BCE with the arrival of Neolithic farmers from Sicily. Between approximately 3600 and 2500 BCE, these early inhabitants built the Megalithic Temples — free-standing stone structures that are among the oldest in the world, pre-dating Stonehenge (built approximately 3000–1500 BCE) and the Egyptian pyramids (built approximately 2560 BCE onwards).

The best-known temple complexes include Ġgantija on Gozo (the oldest, approximately 3600 BCE), Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra (overlooking the sea on the south of Malta), and Tarxien (near Valletta). The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — an underground sanctuary and burial site from approximately 3600–2500 BCE — is the only known prehistoric underground temple in the world.

These sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are central to Malta's identity as a place of extraordinary antiquity. Approximately 2500 BCE, the temple-building culture appears to have vanished suddenly — the reason remains unknown.

Following the collapse of the Megalithic culture, Malta was settled by Phoenicians (approximately 750 BCE), then became part of the Carthaginian sphere. After the First Punic War, Malta came under Roman rule in 218 BCE. Roman Malta (Melita) was a prosperous municipality — a mosaic floor, Roman baths, and artifacts from this period survive.

According to the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 28), St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in approximately 60 CE and spent three months there, converting the population to Christianity. Whether or not this is historically precise, the story is foundational to Maltese Catholic identity — the feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul (10 February) is a national public holiday.

After Roman rule, Malta passed through Byzantine hands and was conquered by Arab forces from North Africa in 870 CE. The Arab period (870–1091 CE) was transformative — the Maltese language descends directly from the Arabic dialect spoken in Malta during this period. Many Maltese place names, agricultural terms, and everyday words have direct Arabic roots.

The Knights of St John (the Order of St John, also known as the Hospitallers) arrived in Malta in 1530, granted the island by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V as a base against Ottoman expansion. The Order transformed Malta — building Valletta and the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua), creating the fortification system that still defines the Grand Harbour, and founding hospitals and civic institutions.

The Great Siege of 1565 was the most significant military event in Maltese history. The Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, sent a large force to capture Malta and expel the Knights. After months of intense fighting, the Ottomans withdrew — Malta held. The victory was celebrated across Christian Europe and cemented the Knights' reputation.

The Knights ruled Malta for 268 years. The French general Napoleon Bonaparte ended their rule in 1798, capturing Malta without significant resistance (the Knights were weakened internally and the French forces were overwhelming). The French occupation lasted only until 1800, when the Maltese, supported by Britain, expelled them.

British rule began in 1800 and Malta was formally ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris (1814). British Malta became a strategic naval base — the Grand Harbour was one of the most important in the British Empire. English language, institutions (parliament, courts, civil service), and culture were introduced during this period.

The Second World War brought the most intense period of suffering in Malta's modern history. Between 1940 and 1942, Malta was under sustained aerial bombardment by Axis forces (primarily German and Italian), who sought to neutralise it as a supply base for Allied operations in North Africa. The island's resistance under siege conditions — while severely rationed and under near-daily bombing — became a symbol of Allied determination. In April 1942, King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross — a civilian gallantry medal — collectively to the people of Malta. It was unprecedented.

Malta gained independence on 21 September 1964, becoming a member of the Commonwealth. The last British forces left on 31 March 1979 — Freedom Day (a national public holiday). Malta became a republic on 13 December 1974 (Republic Day). Malta joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.