Maltese History in Brief
Maltese History in Brief
Although small, Malta has a vast and rich history, with evidence of habitation going back to the Neolithic era (4th Millenium B.C.). Its strategic location and good harbours in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea have attracted Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders, the French and finally the British, with the colonial period lasting until 1964.
5000 BC
First settlers arrive in Malta from Sicily. Ghar Dalam phase.
3600 - 2500 BC
Construction of Megalithic temples.
800 - 480 BC
Phoenician rule.
218 BC
Roman rule begins during Second Punic War.
60 AD
Saint Paul the apostle shipwrecked off Malta.
395 - 870
Byzantine Rule.
870 - 1090
Arab Rule.
1090 - 1194
Norman Rule.
1194 - 1530
Swabian, Angevian and Aragonese Rule
1530
The Knights of St. John take possession of the islands
1565
The Great Siege. Ottoman besiege Malta in an overwhelming force but are defeated by a small army of Knights and Maltese.
1566
Founding of Valletta, the new capital city, named after Grand Master La Vallette, hero of the Siege.
1798
The French army under Napoleon Bonaparte invades the islands on the way to Egypt. Knights of St. John expelled after 268 years in Malta. Inquisition abolished.
1800
Maltese revolt against the French who are expelled. British rule begins.
1964
Malta granted Independence, becoming a sovreign nation within the Commonwealth.
1974
Maltese becomes a Republic.
2004
Malta becomes a member of the European Union.
