Ħagar Qim temple as it was 5,000 years ago
Ħagar Qim has been scientifically reconstructed through a complex process to produce the closest image of what the prehistoric temple looked like when it was built 5,000 years ago.
Thanks to a student’s dedicated research, the remains, which date to about 3000 BC, have been given life once again – if only virtually.
Suzanne Psaila, 31, of Marsascala, has just completed her doctorate in archaeo-engineering and 3D visualisation at the University of Rome and has used a computer to scientifically reconstruct the prehistoric temple.
The project – her PhD thesis – took her four years to complete and was the cause of “many a sleepless night”, as she patiently constructed the virtual model “stone by stone”.
“It’s not simply a matter of drawing stones one on top of another: each stone is given all the dimensions and the weight – and the programme won’t allow you to keep on building if the structure can’t take the weight.”
How the inside of the temple would have looked, according to Suzanne Psaila’s model.Her reconstruction is based on facts gleaned from existing documentation and records of artefacts excavated from the site.
The 11.4 metre-high facade, for example, is based on a 5,000-year-old small model of a prehistoric building found at the Tarxien temples.
She also used laser data gathered by Heritage Malta in 2005 as part of a project to ensure the megaliths are documented accurately for posterity.
The end result is a visually impressive virtual walkthrough of the site: the majestic appearance of the rebuilt temple strongly suggests it was important.
The reconstruction model also allows viewers to visualise the effects of light on the building, including what it would have looked like inside.
“I have absolutely no doubt there was a roof,” Dr Psaila said, explaining it would have been very difficult for prehistoric temple roofs to survive in Malta.
“Our stone, globigerina, is very abrasive and the site is constantly exposed to wind and salt.
“Moreover, when Ħagar Qim fell into disuse, the roof stones would have been an easy source of ready cut stone and easily pilfered and recycled.”
Dr Psaila constructed a roofing system using a corbelling technique – as there is still evidence of it on site.
“The highest roof in the 3D model measures 8.5 metres – which could indicate a second floor inside.
She did not delve into what tools they could have possibly used to build such high, complex structures, but said: “I think we underestimate our prehistoric builders. When you see the reconstruction, you really have to appreciate their capabilities.”
The project changes our perspective of the temple-building era of pre-history because the visuals show how majestic Ħagar Qim really was.
Dr Psaila’s external examiner, Robin Skeates from the University of Durham, was impressed and told her she was the first PhD student who changed her mind on the Maltese prehistoric era.
The reconstruction animation can be seen under three separate lighting effects: natural sunlight at sunrise, midday and sunset. There is also a reconstruction of the summer solstice.
“Ħagar Qim was probably also used during the dark hours and the inhabitants must have had a source of artificial lighting – such as fire hearths or torches,” she said.
After four years of analysing the past, Dr Psaila now wants to see her project of the Unesco world heritage site made available to the public.
She believes computer graphics and reconstructions can be taken further by using augmented reality techniques.
“They can include sounds, touch and smells – it can help us experience the past in the most tangible manner.
“We have something so magnificent and so precious.
“Malta is an archaeological goldmine – there is no counterpart to it, anywhere in the world,” she said.
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Joseph Grech Attard
Jun 14th, 22:02
Wow! Dr. Psaila! Your work has contributed to the whole world, in emphasizing the expertise and the intelligence of our pre-historic ancestors, wrongly supposed to be less intelligent and less sophisticated humans.
stephen mifsud
Aug 14th 2012, 01:49
im so impressed by Dr Psiala work it is facinating and so majestic amazing work Dr Suzanne Psaila thank you
Stephen Galea
Aug 27th 2012, 23:02
Its really an impressive work.
I visited the site a few weeks ago during the open day. I had made the same question to the guide, how can a large building situated on a very steep incline of barren rock become buried? The only logical conclusion is that the building had a roof which when it eventually collapsed, it had buried the ruins.
Cesco Bonello
Aug 13th 2012, 10:48
How can one trust the integrity of the numbers used to construct this model when a simple case of proportions is so extraordinarily wrong. Case in point, the real size of the floral altar (the decorated slab with the depiction of what looks like a pot with plant) is that of roughly a foot and a half in length (http://www.eveandersson.com/photo-display/large/malta/hagar-qim-altar-and-slab.html), while the one depicted in this model is almost as high as half the door as shown in the image provided above.
If something so simple has been overlooked, what is to be said of the exceedingly more complex calculations of the other data?
Raymond Sammut
Aug 13th 2012, 12:24
It's not a case of proportions. The image you are linking to is 2D, while what we see in the above video clip is 3D. The two images, therefore, cannot be used in the same way for measuring proportions.
With 3D, one needs to take into consideration, for example, parallax that changes with perspective.
As to the "integrity of numbers": numbers do not have integrity per se.
Numbers (that is, a body of data collected and stored over time) are used by the researcher in the hope of constructing a mathematical model which can help people better understand an object which is no longer extant. The model is then said to have "predictive power".
The larger the body of data, the higher the power of the model will be. That is, the model will be closer and closer to the non-extant object as more and more numbers become available.
Cesco Bonello
Aug 13th 2012, 13:26
I am very sorry Mr.Sammut, but since the picture is a still image (even though taken from the 3d animation, it does, in fact, become itself a 2d image, making it perfectly comparable to the image I have posted. Thus, my comment still holds.
Philip Mizzi
Aug 13th 2012, 14:17
Prosit Mr Sammut, that was a 'technical knock out' in every sense!
Mr Bonello, why try to discredite this painstaking study by pointing to such insignificant observation? The main point of the study here is not the size of the 'floral altar' but the 'roofing' or 'doming' of the temple.
Well done indeed Dr Psaila.
Cesco Bonello
Aug 13th 2012, 15:35
Mr.Mizzi, if the floral altar was so amazingly miscalculated, an object that we, for a fact, know the proportions of, what hope is there that the other calculations are in anyway correct?
Suzanne-Marie Psaila
Aug 13th 2012, 16:11
Adding on to what Raymond Sammut very well explained on perspective, kindly note that this angle has been chosen for illustration purposes. The Hagar Qim model's 'complex calculations' do not depend on the statuettes or the decorated slab and altar but on the structural model which was built over 3D laser scanner data (which is the most accurate you can get so far) and used in dedicated simulation software to test structural stability and strength.
I can assure you nothing has been overlooked. Any other data which was not available or required yet another PhD to achieve was kept unchanged for other researchers to carry out, such as sea levels...acoustics...etc.
Suzanne-Marie Psaila
Aug 13th 2012, 16:16
Adding on to what Raymond Sammut very well explained on perspective, kindly note that this angle has been chosen for illustration purposes. The Hagar Qim model's 'complex calculations' do not depend on the statuettes or the decorated slab and altar but on the structural model which was built over 3D laser scanner data (which is the most accurate you can get so far) and used in dedicated simulation software to test structural stability and strength.
I can assure you nothing has been overlooked. Any other data which was not available or required yet another PhD to achieve was kept unchanged for other researchers to carry out, such as sea levels...acoustics...etc.
Stanley Shaw
Aug 13th 2012, 10:38
It's always amazing to discover what ancient civilizations were capable of doing, when according to our perception of modern times they did not have the tools to perform such tasks. I always believe that there is a missing link. At one time the world restarted from stretch and the knowledge and techniques were forgotten to be rediscovered hundreds of years later.
Well done Dr. Psaila.!!
Stanley Shaw
Aug 13th 2012, 09:59
It's always amazing to discover what ancient civilizations were capable of doing, when according to our perception of modern times they did not have the tools to perform such tasks. I always believe that there is a missing link. At one time the world restarted from stretch and the knowledge and techniques were forgotten to be rediscovered hundreds of years later.
Well done Dr. Psaila.!!
Philip Pace
Aug 13th 2012, 09:21
While congratulating Dr.Psaila on her acheivement and giving us an insight of what might have been, a comment by Mr.Carlo Vella is somewhat patronizing, elitist and uncalled for!.
I wonder what type of education he was referring to?
People of what ever education level or not have the right to write or speak their opinion and comments.
It is an open space that no one has the right to govern, judge or condemm. Everybody has the right to come up with his/her opinion, thoughts and comments. That is the reason why other nations have gone forward with their mentality and we are stuck in a point back in time.
I doubt if he ever knows that sometime in the 60s the book 'The Naked Ape' by Desmond Morris was banned from being read in Malta?
Or if he read Eric Von Daniken series of books mainly 'Chariots of the Gods' where the same Temples were mentioned.
Since then we have advanced in many sectors thankfully, but still we have to get rid of that bal and chain that is still attached to our feet. The ball and chain is when one tries to divide the power of thought, opinion and comments.
Get the drift, Mr. Vella?
Mr. Vella has to come down from his high horse!
Jes Pace
Aug 13th 2012, 05:26
We have something so magnificent and so precious. Fully agree! I am curious to read more on this study, how inspiring. Well done Dr Psaila. Is this study published and accessible by the public interested to read it? It gives a lot of value even though conclusions reached by Dr Psaila may not be 100% factual but I believe this study is so unique! I am interested to learn more..... Prosit and Malta should support & acknowledge this study and the researcher who must have worked tirelessly for 4 and a half years. this is a rare resource indeed. Thank you.
JC Sullivan
Aug 12th 2012, 19:57
I am a skeptic but then I am NEITHER an archeologist nor a anthropologist but definitely a HUGE Well Done to Dr Psaila.
I so wanted to forward this to my non Maltese speaking relatives but unfortunately the interview is in Maltese so it would be difficult for them to understand the explanations.
A.f Ellul
Aug 12th 2012, 19:41
To make more for the tourism discover those undersea temples, which are more natural then on the island.These temples, are larger than Hagar QIm. Take care of them. Don’t ignore those temples, All the world knows, I am realize that the Maltese authorities are not interested about these undersea temples, maybe there are more .After all the island of Atlantis was attached with Malta.
David Bonanno
Aug 12th 2012, 19:00
Well done Dr Psaila and keep up with your excellent research about our national heritage.
Mario Vassallo
Aug 12th 2012, 18:58
Congratulations. Ph.D is hard work but the satisfaction is immense. Ad altiora!
vince buhagiar
Aug 12th 2012, 18:02
I have my doubts about some of the conclusions, but sure is a great job that if the authorities makes full use of it, Malta will sure gain touristic wise.
Minister pls take note.
Alfred Falzon
Aug 12th 2012, 17:54
A highly interesting and erudite reconstruction of the prehistoric Hagar Qim temple as it might have appeared 5000 years ago.
The only hitch is the backdrop where the islet of Filfla features on the horizon.
At that point in time, the Mediterranean was much lower than it is today and the sea level must have been quite different.
So Filfla must have looked much bigger, better still closer to a high ridge, perhaps even still linked to mainland Malta, with the Hagar Qim-Mnajdra temples further inland but still standing on higher ground.
Nonetheless, apart from this detail, Dr Psaila must be congratulated for her tireless efforts in making our unique heritage known to the outside world.
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Alfred A. Falzon
Alvin Vassallo
Aug 12th 2012, 16:08
Prosit lil Dr.Psaila. Xogħol bħal dan ikompli joħloq kuxjenza dwar l-identità Maltija u l-Kultura Maltija. Dan ix-xogħol jgħin biex il-poplu Malti jħossu kburi li hu Malti - u mhux inferjuri għall-pajjiżi oħrajn. Għadna l-istorja tagħna u għadna nkunu kburin biha u għandu jkun hemm iktar kuxjenza dwar l-istorja ta' Malta.
Prosit Dr.Psaila. Unur għalik u unur għall-poplu Malti. :)
Carmel Ellul
Aug 12th 2012, 15:55
Great work,it confirms what is seen in the hypogeum , what has been said by Sir Temi Zammit , what has been written by persons who worked with Sir Temi Zammit ,especially the late Joseph S. Ellul, in his book about Hagar Qim.
To conclude this study , throw a computer generated tsunami at the model from a west north west direction and see the results , then compare them with how the megaliths were found during the excavation works.
Philip Mizzi
Aug 12th 2012, 15:37
For those that think that our temples where not domed by large building blocks of stone, some' rooms' of the Tarxien Temples show 2 layers of large stone building blocks (filati) diverging inwards, clearly evident that more layers (filati) will eventually form a dome.
Compared to the simple round constuction of Stonehedge (which is aslo a marvel), our temples are far more complex. Considering also that our temples were built hundreds of years before the first pyramids, is in itself a wonder! These temples in our islands are truely unique and unparalled, the like of which are not seen anywhere else in the world! Not to forget the underground (hewn in rock) Hal Saflieni Temples at Pawla which is aslo very unique and mysterious.
Had these unique structures built in a big country, they would have been declared as one of the wonders of the world! And this is an understatement.
The general belief about these structures (those built above ground level), is that they were a 'calender in stone', showing the start of solstices and equinoxes (start of the seasons).
Who knows what more mysteries surround the scope and function of these temples?!
JOSEPH TANTI
Aug 12th 2012, 15:06
I really liked this 3D visualisation of the Hagar Qim Temple. We were taught when young in the history subject that the Hagar Qim Temple was domed with large slabs but I always wondered how the people of those eras could manage to dome a roof with those type of (huge) stones. Now I can imagine and can realize how it was done by the presentation of Dr. Psaila, thank you.
Mark Vella Bardon
Aug 12th 2012, 15:05
Renzo Piano please note!
Peter Agius
Aug 12th 2012, 13:23
Amazing.
Marisa Attard
Aug 12th 2012, 13:20
To Dr. Psaila - this is awesome! We have something so unique and precious. Thank you.
Mr Kevin Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 12:55
Very interesting. I'm curios to learn and read the study on which this model was based on. For example I'm intrigued that the roof in this study is one large dome instead of separate small domes over each individual chamber that I was under the impression having been assumed to be the case up until I saw this.
Suzanne-Marie Psaila
Aug 12th 2012, 16:35
Hi Kevin, actually you are right. There is a difference between viewing it from the inside and from the outside. When you view it from the inside you can notice that each area has its own cone-shaped roof which, however would not have stood on its own, when all roofs are connected the form a sort of large dome when viewed from the outsde :) That's my result at least! Should you wish I can give you some images that explain this better. Do email me on [email protected] and I would be happy to show you! Regards - Suzanne
Mr Kevin Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 20:51
Thanks for your reply Dr. Psaila.
Maybe it would be easier to have say a facebook page with more pictures posted? Better still I hope your work can be turned into a book.
The possibilities with 3 dimensional computer generated modelling are truly superb. Imagine bringing back to life Imdina as it was during the Roman period for example
Charles Muscat
Aug 12th 2012, 12:53
There is also a piece of rock weighs 17 tons. Amazing.
clive bartolo
Aug 13th 2012, 12:56
your jibe at Astrid Vella is totally uncalled for...... you should be aware that Astrid Vella only objects, and rightly so, to constructions which are are eyesores and which inpinge and desecrate on our fast receding countryside..... i believe that objections against constructions in odz are fully justifed... and the likes of Asrtrid Vella deserve the support of all citizens who have the welfare of their country at heart. If it hadnt been for people like Astrid Vella, malta would be in a much sorrier state than it isn now. My hat off to you Astrid!
clive bartolo
Aug 13th 2012, 12:57
sorry wrong post... was meant for J.J. jones!
John Joseph Francis
Aug 12th 2012, 12:51
I can see a lot of experts in here, a lot of periti discussing roofing techniques. Bravi.
I have my doubts on the model, but obviously cant criticise since I dont know what basis/studies were used as to stone size and corbelling techniques, there are many!
Facade seems quite futuristic for the era, almost Baroque, reminds me of some City Gate....
On another note, hands up all those who think there were no AsridVella ancestors to object to piling up stones and not live in caves.
Albert Vella
Aug 12th 2012, 12:36
VERY WELL DONE DR,PSAILA. You desreve to be honored by the highest authorities in Malta fur such dedication and research.
j dough
Aug 12th 2012, 12:26
WELL DONE!!!
Adrian Sciberras
Aug 12th 2012, 11:33
amazing work, congratulations....
Lucienne Dimech
Aug 12th 2012, 11:33
Many thanks doctor for allowing us to see what these magnificent structures might have looked like.
Cornelius Murphy
Aug 12th 2012, 11:10
The Spanish megalithic structure known as the Dolmen de Menga in Antequera is made of large stones very similar to Hagar Qim, although the complex is much smaller in size. In this case, the roof still exists and is made of large slabs supported by columns, and the whole structure is completely buried under a mound of earth as you can see in the following images:
http://i.imgur.com/JexRT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3QZd2.jpg
The site has been carbon dated to 3700BC, making it of a similar age as the oldest Maltese temples.
I cannot help but wonder if the Maltese temples were actually a larger version of this soil-covered structure and should never have been excavated. I don't mean to steal any of Dr. Psaila's thunder, but I'd be most interested to see what experts on the subject think of this possibility.
Carlo Vella
Aug 12th 2012, 13:05
There are a number of megalithic structures around Spain and it is believed they are related to the Maltese structure which seems to be the mother of them all as the material used is very similar - only difference is that the temples are smaller.
As for the people who wrote in with negative remarks, first of all it is just wonderful that Malta is at least giving people the education in seeing and learning about historical events - no matter how and what software is being used. Secondly, uneducated people who have no idea of history and have not ventured into the study of archeology and anthropology should not question the experts. Be thankful that there is something for you to learn.
Keith Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 11:09
To all those commenting against the design, get up and do it yourself. I believe that this is pretty close to the original design. Maybe the roof was in wood, or maybe not, who cares, this is the first time that we have seen this temple in full perspective, before this we thought our ancestors liked have no roof on their heads!!!
Raymond Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 11:08
Undoubtedly, Dr Psaila should be congratulated for her achievement.
From memory, Sir Temi Zammit did predict, from available evidence, that the temple was roofed by its builders with stone slabs.
It is surprising that Dr Psaila only sees it as "probable" that the temple was "used during dark hours". Given that it has always been conceded that the temple is astronomically oriented, it is then certain that its major function was under the night sky.
These prehistoric Maltese were not only stone builders, but most importantly astronomers. Knowledge in astronomy would have allowed them to navigate and reach Sicily; for example, to procure specific materials for tool making.
A natural extension of this project would then be on how Dr Psaila's simulation can, for example, be related to movements of celestial bodies as tabled in the astronomical almanac applicable to that period.
oliver mallia
Aug 12th 2012, 10:54
Tamel hafna sens, Prosit. Fl-opinjoni tieghi it-tempju ghadu jerga jigi imsaqaf, biss minflok jintuza gebel jintuza gablow
Kleaven Maniscalco
Aug 12th 2012, 14:06
Int bis-serjeta qed titkellem?
stephen mifsud
Aug 14th 2012, 02:10
maltese humour at its best !!!! inti bis serjeta jew lol love it see im abroad and when i hear these sayings it reminds me how fun we maltese are .
frank vella
Aug 12th 2012, 10:54
Compliments Dr Psaila for your detailed study. I urge the auhtorities to consider obtian this study and place it as a presentation at Hagar Him so that visitors would have a better prespective of the temples. As Ms Psaila said there is certainly room for more study of the surroundings during the period they were contructed and certainly will look forward for more in the future.
Joseph Casha
Aug 12th 2012, 10:52
hehe, wonder who is reading this and thinking.... "all lies, the world started 2000 years ago" lol
Chris Tanti
Aug 12th 2012, 10:46
A big well done!
Reference is made to this part of the article: “It’s not simply a matter of drawing stones one on top of another: each stone is given all the dimensions and the weight – and the programme won’t allow you to keep on building if the structure can’t take the weight.”
What application is used in these cases?
Suzanne-Marie Psaila
Aug 13th 2012, 16:26
Hi Chris, would you kindly email me on [email protected] so I can explain and give more application detail? :)
Ramon Casha
Aug 12th 2012, 10:44
Even in the stone age, Maltese people could build a better façade than Renzo Piano.
David Hill
Aug 12th 2012, 10:42
Wonderfull isn't it.
5000 years ago they could put a roof on a temple, today they can't put a roof on a theatre.
Pawlu Agius
Aug 12th 2012, 10:22
Correction "Malta WAS an archaelological goldmine". The many roads and the unstoppable construction we had seen in the past half a century have destroyed much of our history and reduced Malta to just a little better than say Lampedusa. Just to mention a few of such destruction that happened in Mosta:
- Misrah Ghonoq where today there is Fort Mosta, it is documented by G.Grognet that there was a wall made from very large stones as well as numerous Punic tombs (one such tomb can still be accessed from the Fort)
- the many springs of Wied il-Ghasel including the one within the cave containg the chapel - the buildings that arose up to the valley bank have caused all springs to dry out. The Grandmasters used to collect water from the mentioned cave, considered miraculous.
- Santa Margerita and Zokrija areas which contained many Punic tombs and some cart ruts are now completely built.
- the iron bridge crossing Wied il-Ghasel - was destroyed during the Mintoff administration and replaced with the ugliest bridge imaginable - consisting of many small arches with its pillars rising directly from the valley bed.
- the lion fountain in front of Mosta church - was destroyed during the 22 months of Labout administration with the result that now one sees just a lion standing on a pillar.
carmel cassar
Aug 12th 2012, 11:08
what it is behind all this, an effort tomake us aware of our treasures; history lucture; or simply, to write a politacally motivated comment.
Mario Caruana
Aug 12th 2012, 10:21
Well Done. Prosit!
Victor Rodenas
Aug 12th 2012, 09:54
It must have been extremely difficult to built such a roof 5000 yrs. ago,....I think the roof was a wooden one.
David Hill
Aug 12th 2012, 10:40
Not so hard to build a domed roof.
The inside of the building is filled with wet sand or soil, the dome is shaped, then stones are laid on the shaped soil, when the last stone; the Key stone; is in place the soil is then dug out and there is your roof in place.
Alfred Grech
Aug 12th 2012, 09:45
Excellent study and fantastic reconstruction - prosit Suzanne.
C. Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 09:34
Well done Ms Psaila!
Paul Giordimaina
Aug 13th 2012, 09:04
Well done Suzzane
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