VV(1) - Malta -1

[David Morris]

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Palms/3401/introduc.html

The history of these small islands is one of conquest and colonizers. It's 
strategic position in the Mediterranean, in between Europe and Africa, half 
way Gibraltar and the Middle East made it a perfect stronghold for the 
consecutive colonizers. The Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, the 
Angevins, the Aragonese, the Knights of Saint John and the British were 
amongst them - all with just one goal: to control the middle of the 
Mediterranean.

Traces of these cultures can still be found in Malta. Phoenician tombs are 
still quite numerous throughout the island. The Roman Villa and several 
Roman and early Christian catacombs in Rabat can be visited. The ancient 
city of Mdina bears traces of its Arab past (as does the place name itself). 
The capital city of Valletta is an open history book on the era of the 
Knights of St. John. And the British influence is obvious as well: left hand 
driving, British phone booths, it's all there!

But there is more! Dating back to 3600 BC are the megalithic temples, huge 
stone structures, built for the veneration of the Goddess of Fertility. 
These stone structures are considered to be the oldest free standing 
buildings in the world.

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