The History of Malta
Jan 20th, 2010 by admin in 2. Mediterranean cruises, 2.2. Malta
Before hoping your European cruise, why not learn a little bit on the history of Malta. This beautiful island is a popular port of cruise for major best European cruises.
The early years
Malta’s earliest monuments, the megalithic temples of Ggantija on the Gozo Island, and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra on the main island, were built between 3800 and 2500 BC and are the world’s oldest surviving freestanding structures. Phoenicians and Carthaginians colonized Malta from around 800 to 218 BC. In 218 BC, Malta rebelled against its Carthaginian rulers and was incorporated in the Roman Empire. In AD 60 St Paul shipwrecked on the island and cured the father of Roman governor Plubius from a desperate illness. According to folklore, governor Plubius, grateful, converted to Christianity and became the bishop of Malta. Arabs arrived in 870 and introduced their language as well as improved agriculture and irrigation systems. Later, Malta was successively conquered by Normans, French, Aragonese and Spanish.
1500-1800
In 1530 Charles I of Spain gave the island to the Knights of the Order of St John, a military religious organization founded in Jerusalem. The Knights won a major battle against Ottoman Turks in 1565 and were hailed as heroes throughout Europe. However, following the rise of Protestantism and French Egalitarianism, the order declined and surrendered to Napoleon in 1798 without a fight. In 1800, Malta, supported by Great Britain, revolted against the French and became a British dominion. The island was transformed into a major naval base and suffered greatly from WWII bombing.
Malta in the 1900’s and 2000’s
Malta was given some autonomy in 1947 and gained full independence in 1964. The country became a republic in 1974 and introduced the euro after entering the EU in 2004.
If you European Cruise stops by Malta, make sure to visit Ggantija Temples as they are an important part of Malta's history.
Need more information? Visit Best European Cruises.
photo credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/donotlick/4227537623/
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