Amazing architecture in Prehistoric Malta
An overview of the major architectural and artistic achievements from 3500 to 2500BC
Hagar Qim Temple - façadeNational Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Until the 1880s, scholars attested that these temples dated to the Phoenician period. This was probably due to the fact that no similar buildings in the Mediterranean could be remotely compared to these megalithic structures.
Mgarr SherdNational Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Pottery identification dates these megalithic structures to ca. 3600 – 2500 BC, nowadays known as ‘The Temple Period’.
Architecture
From 3500 to 2500BC, the islands of Malta and Gozo saw a major change in the structures that were being built. The architecture of these monuments are a unique achievement.
The Boundary WallĠgantija Archaeological Park
These megalithic structures are considered to be the world’s first free standing stone monuments and are for this reason listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ta' Hagrat Temples facadeTa' Ħaġrat Temples
Due to their monumentality the reason for such buildings was certainly one of great importance and their size suggests they were not built for domestic use.
ForecourtThe Hagar Qim Archaeological Park
The large forecourt suggests that some communal activities were held there.
Prehistoric GraffitiThe Hagar Qim Archaeological Park
It is very evident that these temples were very carefully planned before being built with such stability to last for generations.
Model of Neolithic Temple (-4100/-2500)National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Some artefacts attest to these planning phases and show what seem to be architect’s plans, made from clay or stone.
Prehistoric Architecture - InterpretationNational Museum of Archaeology, Malta
It is likely that the temple plans developed from the rock cut tombs concept. The apses of the earlier temples resemble single or double tomb chambers ...
... later evolving into three apses ...
... and four apses.
The most complex temple is that of Tarxien Temples.
Temple Architecture - InterpretationNational Museum of Archaeology, Malta
A number of experiments have been carried out to figure how these temples were built. Quarried stone was transported on site probably on stone rollers aided by logs and directed, pushed or pulled by men.
The megaliths were probably put in place by means of earth ramps which would be dismantled and mounted to accommodate the next block.
Materials and Tools
The megalithic temples were built using the local stone. The majority of the temples are built out of Globigerina limestone which is a soft stone which can be carved with relative ease.
Megalithic block with spiral decorationNational Museum of Archaeology, Malta
All the decorated stone blocks were carved out of this stone. At times the Upper Coralline limestone was used. The latter stone is harder and therefore not as susceptible to weathering.
Temple Architecture Boulders (-4100/-2500)National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Tools at this time were made out of stone, wood or bone. Metal was not yet available but this lack of resources certainly did not hinder the creativity of these prehistoric people.
Ta' Hagrat Model (-4100/-2500)National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
A small temple model from Ta’ Hagrat shows a roofed-over temple. When the temples were excavated none of them had a roof.
It is possible that the roof was made of wood which is a perishable material, or else of stone which was re-utilised prior to the temples being buried under the soil, as they were found.
Hypogeum - Holy of HoliesĦal Saflieni Hypogeum
The partially corbelled roof and horizontal slabs bring to mind the interior of the underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
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