Our islands feature almost 30 temples, above and below ground, of the late Stone Age, exhibiting huge or large stones or megaliths. We do not only have Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra (picture) and the Tarxien Temples.

Many have been lost with the passing of time. And others risk being lost through recent and modern ‘development’. A case in point is It-Tumbata, just outside Luqa, where under or adjoining the modern reservoir a few ancient finds remain to be seen today. This was a site of major importance when it was first discovered.

David Trump expressed his view that no other territory in North Africa or in Europe, even, significantly, in neighbouring Sicily, exhibits  such a large amount of prehistoric megalithic remains. These were mainly very ancient sanctuaries or temples, which functioned in the past as religious and civic hubs to an evolved people in our distant past.

Sicily’s lack of late Neolithic temples is curious. This places Malta and Gozo in a unique context. And our two main islands could indeed qualify uniquely as ‘sacred islands’.

In schools in Greece, pupils study a specific subject known as ApXaia, pronounced Arhéa, meaning ancient history, of which their country offers countless sites and features, which the people are so proud of.

I understand that in Malta and Gozo’s schools this subject of ancient history is until now partly included in our pupils’ history curriculum. But is this enough? Given our wealth of prehistoric remains, maybe this subject could become more specific and focused and become even a separate subject. This would enhance awareness of our unique past among our rising generations.

A most readable and concise recent publication with text by Anthony Bonanno and excellent photography and design by Daniel Cilia, is now on our bookshelves. It is an important aid to clarifying and expanding on our knowledge of our Neolithic past. It is entitled The archaeology of Malta and Gozo – 5000 BC-AD 1091.

I feel it is worth using it as a learning tool in our schools and at the University.

Sufficient awareness of our Neolithic past can, in my opinion, be further enhanced.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.