The Archaeology of Malta
From the Neolithic through the Roman Period

This book synthesizes the archaeology of the Maltese archipelago from the first human colonization c.5000 BC through the Roman period (c.400 AD).

Claudia Sagona (Author)

9781107006690, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 August 2015

470 pages, 66 b/w illus. 2 maps 5 tables
26.2 x 18 x 4.1 cm, 0.91 kg

'This academic but engagingly written volume covers over 5,500 years of human activity on Malta from the arrival of Neolithic temple-builders to the followers of Mithras, a cult popular with Roman soldiers … though aimed at the scholar rather than the traveller, the comprehensive gazetteer of sites will prove useful for both.' Caitlin McCall, Current World Archaeology

The Maltese archipelago is a unique barometer for understanding cultural change in the central Mediterranean. Prehistoric people helped reshape the islands' economy and when Mediterranean maritime highways were being established, the islands became a significant lure to Phoenician colonists venturing from their Levantine homeland. Punic Malta also sat at the front line of regional hostilities until it fell to Rome. Preserved in this island setting are signs of people's endurance and adaptation to each new challenge. This book is the first systematic and up-to-date survey of the islands' archaeological evidence from the initial settlers to the archipelago's inclusion into the Roman world (c.5000 BC–400 AD). Claudia Sagona draws upon old and new discoveries and her analysis covers well-known sites such as the megalithic structures, as well as less familiar locations and discoveries. She interprets the archaeological record to explain changing social and political structures, intriguing ritual practices and cultural contact through several millennia.

1. Malta's archaeological past
2. The first settlers and farmers
3. The culture of the megalith builders: the Late Neolithic of Malta
4. Pushing boundaries at the end of the megalithic building period
5. New directions: the appearance of the axe-bearers
6. East meets west: Phoenician mariners, merchants, and settlers
7. Melita and Gaulos during the Punic Period
8. Malta's place in the Roman world.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Prehistoric archaeology [HDDA], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]