The Amazing Ancient Temples of Malta, Older Than The Pyramids!

In posing the question of what people think the oldest structure in the world is, the majority would say The Egyptian Pyramids, due to their popularity and their prominence in historical education; however, surprisingly there are some older and much less known structures which served as ancient temples on the island of Malta, a small island country in the centre of the Mediterranean ocean.

As many as 50 temple remains can be found on Malta, some dating as far back as 4000 BC, and was built by an ancient civilization that very little is known about. The artefacts that were found provide evidence that they worshipped a Mother Goddess and participated in many religious rituals including animal sacrifice.

Of the temples, the most visited ones today are: The Hypogeum, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, and Ggantija. I have been to all except the Hypogeum. I took some pictures during my visits and I hope that you will be as amazed as I was!

Here are a few from the Tarxien Temples which is the most elaborate temple of them all, decorated with many spiral designs and decorations.

Here are a few from Ggantija which is of the oldest of the temples. According to folklore, this temple was built by a giantess carrying her baby on her back, whom ate nothing but beans and honey.

Lastly, these are from Hagar Qim and Mnajdra which are built in close proximity on a hill over looking Filfa island.

It has been said that they were an advanced civilization due to the temples being perfectly aligned in order for light to hit certain stones during the winter and summer solstices. The layout of the temples provide evidence that the civilization had a well structured hierarchy, their High Priest/ Priestess ruling the people.

Sadly, some time around 2500 BC, the civilization disappeared, without a trace as to what happened to them. It has been suggested that environmental changes or religious extremism could have been the reason for decline but this is only speculation as there ia no evidence to support this theory.

Today, nothing remains of the mysterious civilization except their beautiful temples. We are no closer to answering the two questions that can never be answered; Who were they and what happened them?