Temples Older Than Pyramids: Malta’s Ancient Builders

Malta is home to some of the most remarkable prehistoric structures in the world. The megalithic temples, dating as far back as 4100 BC, predate the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge, making them among the oldest free-standing buildings known to humanity.

Ġgantija Temples

The Ġgantija Temples on the island of Gozo were constructed between 3600 BC and 3000 BC. Their name, meaning “giant’s towers,” comes from local legend which imagined they were built by giants. Some of the limestone blocks weigh more than 50 tonnes, raising questions about how Neolithic communities managed to transport and position them with only simple tools.

Other Temple Sites

Malta has several other temple complexes, including Mnajdra, Ħaġar Qim, Tarxien, and Ta’ Ħaġrat. Together with Ġgantija, they represent a unique prehistoric culture that flourished during what is known as the Temple Period (4100–2500 BC). These sites are recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to their global significance.

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

In addition to the temples above ground, Malta is home to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola. This subterranean complex, built around 4000 BC, was used as both a sanctuary and a burial site. Its chambers and rock-cut architecture provide extraordinary evidence of ritual and community life in prehistoric Malta.

Architectural Skill and Ingenuity

The precision with which these temples were constructed demonstrates remarkable skill. Stones were shaped and fitted together with accuracy, while decorative carvings and altars suggest complex religious practices. Archaeologists believe that temple building required not only technical expertise but also communal organisation and social cohesion.

Why These Temples Matter

Malta’s megalithic temples are among the earliest expressions of monumental architecture in human history. They remind us that prehistoric communities on these small islands developed advanced building techniques, artistic traditions and systems of belief long before the rise of other great civilisations. Today, they stand as enduring monuments to creativity, resilience and the cultural achievements of Malta’s earliest inhabitants.

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