Maltese History And Its Cultural Heritage

Year: 2024 | Issue: 81 | pg. 43 - pg. 50

Authors:

• Lecturer, Ph.D. Ileana Mihaela Chirițescu View ORCID profile
  [email protected] | University of Craiova, Department of Applied Modern Languages, Romania
• Associate Professor, Ph.D. Floriana Anca Păunescu View ORCID profile
  [email protected] | University of Craiova, Department of Applied Modern Languages, Romania

---

Published on: 30/04/2024

PDF

Abstract:

The seven islands in the Ionian Sea form one of the smallest states in the world – Malta. The Phoenicians called it Malat, the Greeks called it Melita or Melite, and the Maltese called it Ghasel, meaning honey. The Maltese gave it this name because of the specific color of the soil, the rocks, but also because of the tradition of honey cultivation on the territory of Malta. Malta᾽s cultural heritage is inversely proportional to the size of the state. Seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of a distinct stage of cultural development. The two temples on the island of Gozo, dating from the Bronze Age, are impressive for their gigantic structures. Some other examples in this regard, given by UNESCO experts, are the monuments: Auberge de Baviere, Church of the Shipwreck of Saint Paul the Apostle, Mantel Theatre, the Library located in the heart of the capital Valletta and many others. From the strong cultural wealth of Malta we cannot omit the The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. The birth of the Knights Hospitaller dates back to around 1048. The original hospitaller mission became the main activity of the order, growing ever stronger during the 20th century, most especially because of the contribution of the activities carried out by the Grand Priories and National Associations in many countries around the world.

Keywords:

tradition, culture, heritage