Ever since early prehistoric time Malta has been the coveted prize of practically all the civilisations that dominated the Mediterranean. The Maltese shores have hosted the naval powers of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Spaniards and British. Today Malta is a modern nation that harbours an amazing array of contrasts. Strongly traditional and conservative, the Maltese nonetheless have an open attitude towards the modern world.Sleepy villages that still treasure the old traditional way of life, are literally a stone throw away from cosmopolitan towns and a dynamic nightlife. A hard working and enterprising people, the Maltese benefit from one of the best heath services anywhere in the world, free education and one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. Definitely a visit to Malta is a Traveller?s must at least once. An island of contrasts, history and stunning scenery, this gem never ceases to reward the visitor who chooses to delve into its hidden treasures.
Malta, an archipelago made up of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, is the smallest member of the European Union, with a population of just 400,000. Notwithstanding, its small land area of 316 square kilometres, makes Malta one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Malta?s main industries are tourism, transhipment, and manufacturing. The natives themselves, being very enterprising engage in a number of activities and services thus creating an almost self-sufficient economic microcosm.
Mainly Roman Catholic, the Maltese speak a Semitic language that owes its roots to the ancient Phoenician tongue which was spoken on the island some 3000 years ago. The Arabs further fostered the language during their occupation of Malta in the middle ages. Subsequently the language was fortified with borrowed terms from nationalities, predominantly Latin, that governed the islands through the centuries and being lastly strongly influenced by the English Language.
The first settlers discovered Malta around 5000 BC. The early civilisations built the enigmatic copper age temples known as the oldest freestanding structures in the world. Being associated with the Great Flood, Atlantis and other proven and hypothetical cultures these ancient structures mystify many a visitor as they have baffled many authors who have visited them and wrote about them.
At the dawn of the Iron Age Malta was settled by the Phoenicians and later by their descendants the Carthaginians. The Romans conquered Malta during the 2nd Punic war.
Eventually Malta became part of the Byzantine Empire.
The Arabs invaded Malta in AD 870 until the Normans liberated it in the year 1090.
Following the expulsion of the Arabs in the 13th Century, Malta was annexed to Aragon. The re-Europeanization of Malta was accompanied by the introduction of the feudal system which impoverished and dilapidated the islands. With enormous sacrifice the Maltese managed to redeem themselves in 1428.
King Charles V of Spain regaled the islands to the knights of St. John in 1530. Although initially suspicious of the new masters of the island, the Maltese and the Knights were soon to fight side by side against the formidable invading forces the Ottoman Turks, which were brought to the island by an awesome armada.
The defeat of the Turks after great hardship and suffering heralded a turnaround in the fortunes of the Ottoman Empire, and the dawn of an age of baroque splendour for the Maltese. The building of imposing fortifications, churches, and palaces which are still preserved in their majestic grandeur was largely carried out in the 17th and 18th centuries, the epitome of which was the creation of Valletta. The city, designed as be an impregnable stronghold owes its birth to the epic Great Siege which nearly brought about the Knights' loss of Malta.
Fresh on his way to Egypt with his expeditionary force, Napoleon cunningly invaded the island under the pretence of replenishing his provisions. He found little resistance from the Knights, may of whom secretly supported him and who at that time had long since lost their raison d'?tre.
The French rule in Malta was short lived as the islanders rose against the new masters of the islands just a few months after the occupation. The surviving French garrison locked themselves up behind the secure walls of Valletta.
At Malta?s request the British blockaded the island and the French garrison had no alternative but to capitulate to the British. The British had their own ambitions in the Mediterranean and refused to hand the island back to the Knights. They stayed on for 164 years.
Malta became independent in 1964, a republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in 2004. The wealth of history and culture, which are the legacy of this chequered history together with its natural sites, make these islands a must see.
The islands have successfully blended the traditional with the modern. Besides being a haven for the culture vulture, Malta is fast becoming a trendy holiday location thanks to its nightlife and numerous open air summer festivals.
No two days are the same on the island. The reliable bright and sunny weather also enables a lively holiday with amongst the many activities, extensive water sports possibilities, golf, tennis, horse-riding, abseiling available within easy reach throughout the island.
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