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Having an island mentality frequently carries negative overtones. Discussions about our small island status are liberally flavoured with the notions of being too introspective, inward looking and limited.
Yet being an island does have its positives. Being surrounded by the sea is what strengthens us as a community and as a society – it is also what gives us perseverance and helped us endure incredible hardships. Besieged, we suffered hunger and distress, attacks and bombardments. And we survived.
Moreover, the sea is not the harsh master that imprisons us – rather, throughout the centuries, it has been our passage to Europe and beyond.
The sea plays a leading role in Malta’s history. Located at the narrowest point of any east-west passage through the Mediterranean, Malta is at the crossroads of the European and African continents. In this privileged position, Malta has acquired an importance that is sometimes inversely proportional to its size.
Consequently, Malta has been witness to many of the great conflicts in history, from the Punic Wars and the warring with the Ottoman Empire to Napoleon’s conquests and the North African and Mediterranean campaigns during World War II.
It was the sea that brought the first inhabitants to Malta, who must have crossed over from Sicily and built their first settlements here. The islands’ strategic position was soon recognised and the Phoenicians used Malta and its natural harbours as a staging post for their shipping and trade activities. As Carthage rose to prominence, so did Malta as an important stopover between North Africa and Europe.
Following the Punic Wars, Malta fell into the hands of the Roman Empire – Malta’s Roman period was a prosperous one, as the various archaeological remains indicate.
Similarly prosperous was Malta’s Arabic period – the fact that the Arabs based their economy on Malta’s harbours can still be seen by the numerous Semitic place names with a maritime connection, such as Marsa, which means harbour, and Mgarr, which means loading place.
When the islands were taken over by the British, these were at first sceptical about Malta’s value
The arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530 further strengthened Malta’s maritime credentials. Massive fortifications were built, turning Malta into a veritable island fortress. Following the epic culmination of the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights continued to build fortresses, which gave Malta unique architectural gems such as Valletta.
However, when the threat of the Ottoman Empire and further invasions simmered, the Knights turned their attention to boosting Malta’s trade. Times of peace transformed Malta’s economy – Maltese traders sailed towards the horizon and beyond while local pirates skirmished with the corsairs of the Barbary Coast. Moreover, Malta became an important port of call, also thanks to the specially constructed warehouses that facilitated trade.
When the islands were taken over by the British, these were at first sceptical about Malta’s value. Sir Alexander Ball acknowledged the advantage of retaining the islands and was of the opinion that Malta could serve as a secure base for naval operations. Moreover, the Grand Harbour possessed a small yet efficient shipyard. However, Lord Nelson was not of the same opinion, and the leaders of the empire in London feared that the costs of garrisoning the islands would be excessive.
By 1803, the tide was turning. Even Lord Nelson had changed his earlier view of the islands. In fact, he wrote: “I consider Malta as a most important outwork to India, that it will give us great influence in the Levant and indeed in all the southern parts of Italy.”
Indeed, Malta’s position and infrastructure perfectly complemented the requirements of Britain’s powerful navy. Apart from its natural harbours, Malta’s malleable limestone was ideal for expanding the islands’ fortifications. By the end of the 1840s, British military spending in Malta was increasing. In 1854, it reached well over £400,000 while in 1856, it exceeded £800,000. Malta was, by now, a major base of the Royal Navy.
Not only did the British employ thousands of Maltese, but they also developed Malta’s maritime services and structures, including the dry docks and a massive breakwater at the mouth of the Grand Harbour. When the Suez Canal was opened in 1869, this further strengthened Malta’s maritime and trade activity.
By 1880, the Grand Harbour had become a chief coaling station for vessels sailing between Britain, India and the East. In 1880, for instance, it is recorded that over 3,000 steamers and 2,000 sailing vessels called at the Grand Harbour.
Malta’s military instalments were strengthened – the naval dockyard underwent a major development programme, the harbours were improved, and static defences, barracks and hospitals constructed. These defences proved invaluable during World War II, when Malta suffered heavy bombardments and the locals’ bravery earned the island the George Cross.
Following Malta’s independence, the sea has continued to be our proverbial bread and butter. Especially in the last decades, the freeport, yachting, cruise liners and ship registration have grown substantially, contributing heavily to Malta’s economy. And like the ever-changing sea, so does Malta’s maritime industry continue to diversify. With the freeport expansion, the proposed development of additional marinas and cruise liner terminals, and the strengthening of berthing facilities, Malta’s maritime tradition is set to continue playing an important role in the islands’ present and future.