Skola Maltija of Wollongong

About Malta

Malta is a small three-island country close to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The three islands are Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta has a huge history starting from over 7200 years ago.

The Maltese Cross

History of war The Maltese cross is identified as the symbol of Christian warriors. The cross is eight-pointed and has the shape of four "V" shaped arms joined together at their bases, so that each arm has two points. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. The eight points are said to symbolise the chivalric virtues: Loyalty, Piety, Frankness, Bravery, Glory and Honor, Contemt of Death, for Helpfullness towards the poor and sick, and Respect of the Church.

The Maltese Cross Links-

History of Malta

Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant pre-historic civilisation existed on the islands before the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning "safe haven".

History of Malta Links-

Malta - A Brief History by Lawrence Scerri BA ., Dip Ed

Maltese History Timeline

History of Malta

Maltese Prehistory

About ten to eight thousand years ago Malta was not an island it was a peak of a mountain part of a land mass that connected Sicily to Africa and the Mediterranean was a series of four lakes surrounded by the high mountains of Southern Europe and Northen Africa.

The first humans on Malta were a very smart and sophisticated race; we know this because of the findings of the underwater temples, ancient statues, fossil remains, and cart wheel tracks still preserved today.

Maltese Prehistory Links-

Malta's Prehistoric Genius

The Rule of Malta

Before the Great Siege of Malta, Malta was ruled by many other groups such as the Byzantine, Arabs, Romans, Spanish and even more.

Rule of Malta Links-

Maltese History Timeline

The Great Siege of Malta

The Great Siege of Malta took place on the 11th of September 1565 where the Ottoman Empire invaded Malta against the Knights Hospitallers containing the Knights of Saint John. The Siege was considered one of the greatest in military history. The Ottoman Empire faced a incredible defeat with the loss of 25 000 to 30 000 men and the Knights Hospitallers facing a major victory with only 9 500 men lost, this was huge because the Ottoman Empire had around 48 000 men and the Knight Hospitallers had only 8 500.

The Great Siege of Malta Links-

Siege of Malta on Wiki

World War II

Since Malta was a British colony and Italy had aligned itself with Germany the island was attacked. Many Maltese from different towns went to the country side to escape from the constant bombing that was a daily occurrence. Ancient catacombs were used and bomb shelters were cut into the limestone to take cover from the air raids. On the 15 April 1942 King George VI awarded the George Cross to the island for the bravery of the Maltese in the defense of the British Empire.

Malta in World War 2 Links-

The George Cross

Independence

Maltese gained self government in 1964 with a referendum. The last British Military left the island on March 31, 1979. The Maltese language was further adopted to be the official language and English became the second official language.

European Union

Malta joined the EU in 2005 along with ten other new countries. Malta saw the need for its economic prosperity that its future must in the membership of such a community of nations.

European Union Links-

European Union Website

History Sites

Larkin.net.au (Australian History)

Aboutmalta.com (Maltese History)

Images

The Great Siege of Malta 1565

Knights of St John (1st Grand Master Philippe Villiers)

Maltese Gladiator Airplane (WWII)

The George Cross Medal