Being less conspicuous, the site of Skorba was spared the clearance sprees of the 19th century. It was eventually excavated methodically by David Trump between 1960 and 1963. The information retrieved from this scientific dig proved to be of great relevance for a better understanding of the world class megalithic temples of the Maltese Islands.
Although appreciably smaller than the average size of Malta’s megalithic temples, Ta’ Ħaġrat is of particular note. It comprises two adjoining units set in pristine rural environs. While manifesting advanced technical and artistic skills, its industrious builders earned their livelihood through farming and animal husbandry.
Arguably the best preserved and most impressive of the megalithic temples of the Maltese Islands, Ġgantija comprises two units enclosed by a common boundary wall and fronted by a spacious forecourt. Clearly, this monumental complex served as a socio-religious focal point for the ingenious late Neolithic inhabitants of the Island of Gozo.
5000 years ago Malta and Gozo were home to one of the most outstanding cultures throughout the Neolithic world. The technical and artistic skills of these prehistoric islanders are best represented by the awe-inspiring megalithic temples, which are in turn listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.