It may surprise you to learn that the history of Malta can be traced back to several millennia—well before Egypt’s pyramids.

Ancient megalithic stone temples—some of which date over 5,000 years old—dot Malta and Gozo. These early (but by no means primitive) structures give us our first snapshot of life on the islands. Moving forward through time, we find the remains of Phoenician, Roman and Arabic settlements, followed by the impressive bastioned cities built by the Knights of Malta. Each represents a branch of the history of Malta that has left an indelible mark on local culture and identity. For most of her past, Malta has been occupied or controlled by foreign powers. In 1964, after 150 years of British rule, the Maltese were given their independence.