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" ^{[citation needed]}. Phoenicia (or Phenicia ,[1] from Biblical Phenice [1]) was an ancient civilization centered in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coast of modern day Lebanon and Syria. ...

[edit] Abbreviated Timeline

Further information: Timeline of Maltese history

• about 5200 BCE: Earliest settlers arrive on Malta.
• about 3600 BCE to about 2500 BCE: The Temple period starts, with the construction of the Ġgantija megalithic temple complex on the Island of Gozo, the Mnajdra solar temple complex on Malta, and the Ta' Ħaġrat and Kordin III temples on Malta.
• about 1000 BCE: The Phoenicians colonise the islands.
• about 720 BCE: A Greek colony is founded on the main island.
• 480 BCE: The Maltese Islands come under the control of Carthage.
• 218 BCE: Malta is incorporated into the Roman Republic.
• 60: Saint Paul is shipwrecked on Malta.
• 395-454: Byzantine domination of Malta, following the final division of the Roman Empire.
• 870: Malta is conquered by Aghlabid Arabs.
• 1091: Count Roger I of Sicily establishes Norman rule over Malta.
• 1127: Norman control over Malta is consolidated under Roger II of Sicily, and Christianity re-established as the Islands' dominant religion.
• 1194-1266: Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Swabians (House of Hohenstaufen).
• 1266-1283: Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Angevins.
• 1283-1530: Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Crown of Aragon.
• 1350: Establishment of the Maltese nobility by Louis of Sicily.
• 1397: Establishment of the Università, a form of local government, in Malta.
• January 3, 1427, King Alfonso incorporates Malta to the Crown of Aragon (Kingdom of Sicily), abolishes the County of Malta, and promises never to grant Malta as a fief to any third party.
• October 26, 1530: In an effort to protect Rome from Islamic invasion, Emperor Charles V grants the Maltese Islands to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in perpetual fief.
• July 1551: Ottomans and Barbary pirates conquer Gozo and enslave all of its 5,000 to 6,000 inhabitants, bringing them to Tarhuna Wa Msalata in Libya from Mġarr ix-Xini.
• May 18 to September 8, 1565: The siege by the Ottoman Empire.
• 1566: The founding of Malta's new capital city, Valletta. A general strengthening of Malta's fortifications is undertaken.
• 1798: Napoleon uses a ploy to seize the Islands from the Knights.
• 1799: Maltese uprising against the French. Britain takes Malta under its protection, in the name of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
• 1802: Under the Peace of Amiens, Britain is ordered to return Malta to the Knights of St John, but chooses not to comply.
• 1814: Under the Treaty of Paris, and subsequently ratified by the Congress of Vienna, Malta becomes a British Crown Colony.
• 1853-1856: The Crimean War; Malta serves as a hospital base for wounded combatants, and acquires the nickname Nurse of the Mediterranean.
• 1914-1918: Throughout World War I, especially following the failed invasion of Gallipoli, many casualties are shipped to hospitals in Malta, resuming its role as the Nurse of the Mediterranean.
• June 7, 1919: Sette Giugno protests over increases in the price of bread. British soldiers fire on the crowd and kill four Maltese protesters, during a violent riot instigated by students. The protests lead to greater autonomy for the Maltese.
• 1934: English and Maltese are declared the sole official languages of Malta, to the exclusion of Italian.
• 1935-1939: Benito Mussolini announces his intention of annexing Malta with Italy, as part of the larger Mare Nostrum campaign for Italian dominance in the Mediterranean.
• 10 June 1940: Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom.
• 15 April 1942: The George Cross is awarded to Malta by King George VI, so as to "bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people".
• September 8, 1943: Italy announces its unconditional surrender to the Allied forces.
• September 9, 1943: The Italian fleet’s surrender in Malta is signed by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio.
• 1961: The State of Malta is created pursuant to the Blood Constitution, which provides for a measure of self-government.
• 14 February 1956: A referendum is held on the integration of Malta into the United Kingdom.
• 1958: Talks regarding the integration proposal break down. The United Kingdom imposes direct colonial rule.
• 21 September 1964: Malta is granted independence from the United Kingdom, as a Constitutional Monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State.
• 1964 - 1970: Malta joins the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and becomes an Associate member of the European Community.
• December 13, 1974: Malta becomes a Republic, with the last Governor-General, Sir Anthony Mamo, serving as its first President. Malta remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
• March 31, 1979: Expiry of the Military Agreement between Malta and the United Kingdom. Foreign military base closed.
• April 2003: Referendum on European Union membership.
• 1 May 2004 Malta becomes a member of the European Union.

This is a historical timeline of Malta Main article: History of Malta about 5200 BC: People first arrive on Malta. ... During the 6th millennium BC, agriculture spreads from the Balkans to Italy and Eastern Europe and from Mesopotamia to Egypt. ... The 4th millennium BC saw major changes in human culture. ... (Redirected from 2500 BCE) (26th century BC - 25th century BC - 24th century BC - other centuries) (4th millennium BC - 3rd millennium BC - 2nd millennium BC) Events 2900 - 2334 BC -- Mesopotamian wars of the Early Dynastic period 2494 BC -- End of Fourth Dynasty, start of Fifth Dynasty in Egypt. ... Ggantija temple Ä gantija (also Ggantia) is a megalithic temple complex on the Mediterranean island of Gozo (part of Malta). ... Mnajdra temple (total view) Mnajdra temple (detail) The Mnajdra temple grouping lies on the southern coast of Malta, a small island located directly south of Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. ... -1... Phoenicia (or Phenicia ,[1] from Biblical Phenice [1]) was an ancient civilization centered in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coast of modern day Lebanon and Syria. ... ... Centuries: 6th century BC - 5th century BC - 4th century BC Decades: 530s BC 520s BC 510s BC 500s BC 490s BC - 480s BC - 470s BC 460s BC 450s BC 440s BC 430s BC Years: 485 BC 484 BC 483 BC 482 BC 481 BC _ 480 BC _ 479 BC... Roman Carthage with former military harbor Carthage (Greek: , Latin: , from the Phoenician meaning new town; Arabic: ) refers both to an ancient city in Tunisia and to the civilization that developed within the citys sphere of influence. ... (Redirected from 218 BCE) Centuries: 4th century BC - 3rd century BC - 2nd century BC Decades: 260s BC 250s BC 240s BC 230s BC 220s BC - 210s BC - 200s BC 190s BC 180s BC 170s BC 160s BC Years: 223 BC 222 BC 221 BC 220 BC 219 BC - 218 BC... This article refers to the state which existed from the 6th century BC to the 1st century BC. For alternate meanings, see Roman Republic (18th century) and Roman Republic (19th century). ... Events Boudicca sacks London (approximate date). ... Paul of Tarsus (b. ... Events After the death of emperor Theodosius I, the Roman Empire is divided in an eastern and a western half. ... Events September 21 - Roman Emperor Valentinian III assassinates Aëtius in his own throne room. ... Byzantine redirects here. ... Events February 28 - End of the Fourth Council of Constantinople. ... An Aghlabid cistern in Kairuan The Aghlabid dynasty of emirs, members of the Arab tribe of Bani Tamim, ruled Ifriqiya (northern Africa), nominally on behalf of the Abbasid Caliph, for about a century, until overthrown by the new power of the Fatimids. ... Henry, son of William I attempted a coup against his brothers but failed to seize the English throne. ... Roger I (1031 – June 22, 1101), Norman ruler of Sicily, was the youngest son of Tancred of Hauteville. ... Norman conquests in red. ... Conrad III establishes the Hohenstaufen dynasty when he is crowned antiking to the Holy Roman Emperor, Lothair II. First coalition of the Norman princes against Roger II of Sicily. ... Roger II, from Liber ad honorem Augusti of Petrus de Ebulo, 1196. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... Events November 20 - Palermo falls to Henry VI, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire December 25 - Henry VI is crowned king of Sicily. ... 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Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... Combatants British Empire Australia British India Newfoundland New Zealand United Kingdom Egyptian labourers[1] France Senegal  Ottoman Empire Commanders Sir Ian Hamilton Lord Kitchener John de Robeck Otto von Sanders Mustafa Kemal Strength 5 divisions (initial) 16 divisions (final) 6 divisions (initial) 15 divisions (final) Casualties 252,000[2] 195... is the 158th day of the year (159th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Sette Giugno is a Maltese national holiday celebrated annually on the 7th June. ... Year 1934 (MCMXXXIV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Mussolini redirects here. ... Mare Nostrum (Latin for Our Sea) was an affectionate Roman name for the Mediterranean Sea. ... The Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental sea positioned between Europe to the north, Africa to the south and Asia to the east, covering an approximate area of 2. ... is the 161st day of the year (162nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 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[edit] Geology

Malta stands on an underwater ridge that extends from North Africa to Sicily. At some time in the distant past Malta was submerged, as shown by marine fossils embedded in rock in the highest points of Malta. As the ridge was pushed up and the straits of Gibraltar closed through tectonic activity, the sea level was lower, and Malta was on a bridge of dry land that extended between the two continents, surrounded by large lakes. Some caverns in Malta have revealed bones of elephants, hippopotami, and other large animals now found in Africa, while others have revealed animals native to Europe. Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ... // The Messinian Salinity Crisis, also referred to as the Messinian Event, is a period when the Mediterranean Sea evaporated partly or completely dry during the Messinian period of the Miocene epoch, approximately 6 million years ago. ... For other uses, see Elephant (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus, 1758 The Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) or Greek ίππόποταμος (hippos meaning horse and potamus meaning river) is a large, plant-eating African mammal, one of only two living and three (or four) recently extinct species in the family Hippopotamidae. ...

[edit] Prehistory

Further information: Ġgantija

One of the so-called "fat ladies" of ancient Malta, unearthed at Tarxien.

The Neolithic temple of Mnajdra

Man first arrived in Malta around 5200 BC. These first Neolithic people probably arrived from Sicily (about 100 kilometres/60 miles north), and were mainly farming and fishing communities, with some evidence of hunting activities. They apparently lived in caves and open dwellings. During the centuries that followed there is evidence of further contacts with other cultures, which left their influence on the local communities, evidenced by their pottery designs and colours. Ggantija temple Ä gantija (also Ggantia) is a megalithic temple complex on the Mediterranean island of Gozo (part of Malta). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1863 KB) Summary Neolithic statue, Tarxien, Malta. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1863 KB) Summary Neolithic statue, Tarxien, Malta. ... Tarxien is a small village found in the southern part of Malta. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (460x631, 91 KB) Summary Mnajdra (detail) photo: -jkb- (1985) copy of cs:Soubor:Mt16 mnaj. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (460x631, 91 KB) Summary Mnajdra (detail) photo: -jkb- (1985) copy of cs:Soubor:Mt16 mnaj. ... Mnajdra temple (total view) Mnajdra temple (detail) The Mnajdra temple grouping lies on the southern coast of Malta, a small island located directly south of Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. ... An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools. ...

One of the most notable periods of Malta's history is the temple period, starting around 3600 BC. The Ggantia Prehistoric Temple in Gozo are the oldest free-standing buildings in the world (photo). Many of the temples are in the form of five semicircular rooms connected at the centre. It has been suggested that these might have represented the head, arms and legs of a deity, since one of the commonest kinds of statue found in these temples is a fat woman — a symbol of fertility. The Temple period lasted until about 2500 BC, at which point the civilization that raised these huge monoliths seems to have disappeared. There is much speculation about what might have happened and whether they were completely wiped out or assimilated.

After the Temple period came the Bronze Age. From this period there remains of a number of settlements and villages, as well as dolmens — altar-like structures made out of very large slabs of stone. One surviving menhir, which was used to build temples, still stands at Kirkop; it is one of the few still in good condition. Among the most interesting and mysterious remnants of this era are the so-called cart ruts as they can be seen at a place on Malta called Clapham Junction. These are pairs of parallel channels cut into the surface of the rock, and extending for considerable distances, often in an exactly straight line. Their exact use is unknown. One suggestion is that beasts of burden used to pull carts along, and these channels would guide the carts and prevent the animals from straying. The Bronze Age is a period in a civilizations development when the most advanced metalworking has developed the techniques of smelting copper from natural outcroppings and alloys it to cast bronze. ... Poulnabrone dolmen in County Clare, Ireland For the French TV miniseries, see Dolmen (TV miniseries). ... -1... Kirkop (or Ħal Kirkop) is a small village south of Malta. ... Clapham Junction is a prehistoric site on Malta near to Dingli Cliffs. ...

[edit] Phoenicians and Greeks

The society that built these structures eventually died out or at any rate disappeared. Phoenicians from Tyre colonized the islands around 1000 BC, using them as an outpost from which they expanded sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean. Phoenicia was an ancient civilization in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coastal plain of what is now Lebanon and Syria. ... Tyre (Arabic , Phoenician , Hebrew Tzor, Tiberian Hebrew , Akkadian , Greek Týros) is a city in the South Governorate of Lebanon. ... (Redirected from 1000 BC) Centuries: 12th century BC - 11th century BC - 10th century BC Decades: 1050s BC 1040s BC 1030s BC 1020s BC 1010s BC - 1000s BC - 990s BC 980s BC 970s BC 960s BC 950s BC Events and Trends 1006 BC - David becomes king of the ancient Israelites (traditional...

In the late 8th century BC, a Greek colony called Melite (from the Doric Greek word for "honeybee") was founded on the main island. (2nd millennium BC - 1st millennium BC - 1st millennium) Ruins of the training grounds at Olympia, Greece. ... Colonies in antiquity were city-states founded from a mother-city, not from a territory-at-large. ... Distribution of Greek dialects, ca. ... Species Apis andreniformis Apis cerana, or eastern honey bee Apis dorsata, or giant honey bee Apis florea Apis koschevnikovi Apis laboriosa Apis mellifera, or western honey bee Apis nigrocincta Apis nuluensis Honey bees are a subset of bees which represent a far smaller fraction of bee diversity than most people...

According to recent DNA testing, over 50% of Maltese show relation to Phoenicians ^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Carthage and Rome

The islands later came under the control of Carthage (400 BC) and then of Rome (218 BC). The islands prospered under Roman rule, during which time they were considered a Municipium and a Foederata Civitas. Many Roman antiquities still exist, testifying to the close link between the Maltese inhabitants and the people of Rome. In AD 60, the islands were visited by Saint Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on the shores of the aptly-named "Saint Paul's Bay". Studies of the currents and prevalent winds at the time however, render it more likely that the shipwreck occurred in or around St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala. Roman Carthage with former military harbor Carthage (Greek: , Latin: , from the Phoenician meaning new town; Arabic: ) refers both to an ancient city in Tunisia and to the civilization that developed within the citys sphere of influence. ... The Celtics claim Vienna, Austria. ... This article refers to the state which existed from the 6th century BC to the 1st century BC. For alternate meanings, see Roman Republic (18th century) and Roman Republic (19th century). ... The Roman empire in 218 BC (in dark red) A Carthaginian army under Hannibal attacks Romes Spanish allies. ... A municipium was the second highest class of a Roman city, and was inferior in status to the colonia. ... In the history of the Roman empire, civitas (pl. ... AD redirects here. ... Paul of Tarsus (b. ... Sunset over St. ...

In 440 the island was captured by the Vandals, which had recently occupied the Roman province of Africa. It was recovered by the east Roman general Belisarius in 533, along with the other Vandal possessions, and remained a part of the east Roman province of Sicily for the next 340 years. Vandal and Vandali redirect here. ... For other uses, see Roman Empire (disambiguation). ... The Roman Empire ca. ... Byzantine redirects here. ... // Flavius Belisarius (505(?) – 565) was one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most acclaimed generals in history. ... Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ...

[edit] Arabization and the Maltese language

Malta was occupied by Sicilian Arabs in AD 870. The following 260 years of Arab rule had a very great influence on the existing civilization. The Arabs introduced many new techniques in irrigation, some of which are still used, unchanged. Many placenames in Malta also date to this period. The city of Mdina, extensively modified in this period, also bears slight resemblance to towns found in the North of Africa. Events February 28 - End of the Fourth Council of Constantinople. ... Not to be confused with Medina. ...

The Norman takeover of Malta isolated the Maltese dialect of Arabic from Islamic contact and mainstream Arabic, and Maltese evolved quickly into a distinct language. It is a Semitic language, derived from Arabic and later much influenced by Italian (Sicilian and Standard Italian), and to some degree also by English. For many centuries, the Maltese language was only used in spoken form, and Italian was used for writing. Today the Maltese language, written in the Latin alphabet, is used as the standard language of Malta, alongside English, which remains an official language. Norman conquests in red. ... 14th century BC diplomatic letter in Akkadian, found in Tell Amarna. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

[edit] Middle ages

In 1091, count Roger I of Sicily, made an initial attempt to establish Norman rule of Malta. In 1127, his son Roger II of Sicily succeeded. This marked the gradual change from an Arab cultural influence to a European one. In 1191, Tancred of Sicily appointed Margaritus of Brindisi the first Count of Malta. Roger I (1031 – June 22, 1101), Norman ruler of Sicily, was the youngest son of Tancred of Hauteville. ... Roger II, from Liber ad honorem Augusti of Petrus de Ebulo, 1196. ... Tancred (d. ... Margaritus of Brindisi (also Margarito; Italian Margaritone or Greek Megareites), called the new Neptune, was the last great ammiratus ammiratorum of Sicily. ... The County of Malta existed from 1190 until 1427, as part of the Kingdom of Sicily. ...

Until the 13th century, however, there remained a strong Muslim segment of society. Malta was an appendage of Sicily for 440 years. During this period, Malta was sold and resold to various feudal lords and barons and was dominated successively by the rulers of Swabia, Aquitaine, Aragon, Castile, and Spain. Eventually Aragon, who then ruled Malta, joined with Castile in 1479, and Malta became part of the Spanish Empire. Swabians (German: Schwaben or Schwabenland) is both a historically grown and linguistic (see Swabian German) group in Germany. ... Coat of arms of the duchy of Aquitaine. ... Capital Zaragoza Area  &#8211; Total  &#8211; % of Spain Ranked 4th  47 719 km²  9,4% Population  &#8211; Total (2003)  &#8211; % of Spain  &#8211; Density Ranked 11th  1 217 514  2,9%  25,51/km² Demonym  &#8211; English  &#8211; Spanish  Aragonese  aragonés Statute of Autonomy August 16, 1982 ISO 3166... The starting point of Crown of Castile can be considered when the union of the Kingdoms of Castile and Leon in 1230 or the later fusion of their Cortes (their Parlaments). ... An anachronous map of the Spanish Empire (1492-1898). ...

Malta's administration thus fell in the hands of the local nobility, mostly of Sicilian and Spanish origins, who formed a governing body called the Università.

Re-enactment of 16th century military drills conducted by the Knights of St. John. Fort Saint Elmo, Valletta, Malta, May 8, 2005.

Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1741 KB)Reenactment of 16th-century military drills by the Knights. ... Download high resolution version (2272x1704, 1741 KB)Reenactment of 16th-century military drills by the Knights. ... Fort St Elmo is a fortification on the island of Malta. ... Valletta, population 6,315 (official estimate for 2005), is the capital city of Malta. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

[edit] Knights of St. John

Main article: Knights Hospitaller

In the early 16th century, the Ottoman Empire started spreading over the region, reaching South-East Europe. The Spanish king Charles V feared that if Rome fell to the Turks, it would be the end of Christian Europe. In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knight Hospitallers of St. John out of Rhodes. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe. Wanting to protect Rome from invasion from the South, in 1530, Charles V handed over the island to these Knights. Baron Vassiliev, a 19th-century Knight Commander The Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Knights of Malta, Knights of Rhodes, and Chevaliers of Malta) was an organization that began as an Amalfitan hospital founded in Jerusalem in 1080... Ottoman redirects here. ... For the Carlist claimant King Carlos V, see Infante Carlos, Count of Molina. ...

For the next 275 years, these famous "Knights of Malta" made the island their domain. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications and embellished the island with numerous works of art and enhanced cultural heritage.

The order of the Knights of St. John was originally established to set up outposts along the route to the Holy Land, to assist pilgrims going in either direction. Owing to the many confrontations that took place, one of their main tasks was to provide medical assistance, and even today the eight-pointed cross is still in wide use in ambulances and first aid organisations. In return for the many lives they saved, the Order received many newly conquered territories that had to be defended. Together with the need to defend the pilgrims in their care, this gave rise to the strong military wing of the Knights. Over time, the Order became strong and rich. From hospitallers first and military second, these priorities reversed. Since much of the territory they covered was around the Mediterranean region, they became notable seamen.

[edit] The Great Siege

Main article: Siege of Malta (1565)

After several retreats and defeats, including the loss of their last stronghold in Rhodes (at Turkey's doorstep) the Order was offered the island of Malta. From here they resumed their seaborne attacks of Ottoman shipping, and before long the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent ordered a final attack on the Order. By this time the Knights had occupied the city of Birgu, which had excellent harbours to house their fleet. Also Birgu was one of the two major urban places at that time, the other most urban place being Mdina the old capital city of Malta. The defences around Birgu were enhanced and new fortifications built on the other point where now there is Senglea. Also a small fort was built at the tip of the peninsula where now stands the city of Valletta and was named Fort St. Elmo. // Combatants Ottoman Turks Knights Hospitaller Commanders Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha, Piyale Pasha, Turgut Reis Jean Parisot de la Valette Strength 22,000-48,000 6,100-8,500 Casualties < 25,000 - 35,000 2,500, plus 7,000 civilians, and 500 slaves The Siege of Malta (also known as the... Suleiman I (Ottoman Turkish: Sulaymān, Turkish: ; formally Kanuni Sultan Süleyman in Turkish) (November 6, 1494 – September 5/6, 1566), was the tenth and longest‐serving Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1520 to 1566. ... Birgu (also called Il-Birgu or Vittoriosa) is a small town in Malta that played a vital role in the Siege of Malta in 1565. ... Not to be confused with Medina. ... Senglea is a fortified city in the east of Malta, mainly in the Grand Harbour area. ... Valletta, population 6,315 (official estimate for 2005), is the capital city of Malta. ...

On May 18, 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. By the time the Ottoman fleet arrived the Knights were as ready as they could be. First the Ottomans attacked the newly built fort of St. Elmo and after a whole month of fighting the fort was in rubble and the soldiers kept fighting till the Turks ended their lives. After this they started attacking Birgu and the fortifications at Senglea but to no gain. is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // Events March 1 - the city of Rio de Janeiro is founded. ...

After a protracted siege ended on September 8 of the same year, which became known in history as "the Great Siege", the Ottoman Empire conceded defeat as the approaching winter storms threatened to prevent them from leaving. The Ottoman empire had expected an easy victory within weeks. They had 40,000 men arrayed against the Knights' nine thousand, most of them Maltese soldiers and simple citizens bearing arms. Their loss of thousands of men was very demoralising. The Ottomans made no further significant military advances in Europe and the Sultan died a few years later. is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // Combatants Ottoman Turks Knights Hospitaller Commanders Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha, Piyale Pasha, Turgut Reis Jean Parisot de la Valette Strength 22,000-48,000 6,100-8,500 Casualties < 25,000 - 35,000 2,500, plus 7,000 civilians, and 500 slaves The Siege of Malta (also known as the... Ottoman redirects here. ...

[edit] After the siege

The year after, the Order started work on a new city with fortifications like no other, on a peninsula called Gholja Sciberras which the Ottomans had used as a base during the siege. It was named Valletta after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master who had seen the Order through its victory. Since the Ottoman Empire never attacked again, the fortifications were never put to the test, and today remain one of the best-preserved fortifications of this period. Valletta, population 6,315 (official estimate for 2005), is the capital city of Malta. ...

Unlike other rulers of the island, the Order of St. John did not have a "home country" outside the island. The island became their home, so they invested in it more heavily than any other power. Besides, its members came from noble families, and had amassed considerable fortune due to their services in the route to the Holy Land. The architectural and artistic remains of this period remain among the greatest of Malta's history, especially in their "prize jewel" — the city of Valletta.

However, as their main raison d'être had ceased to exist, the Order's glory days were over.

[edit] French conquest

Over the years, the power of the Knights declined; their reign ended when Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet arrived in 1798, en route to his expedition of Egypt. As a ruse, Napoleon asked for safe harbor to resupply his ships, and then turned his guns against his hosts once safely inside Valetta. Grand Master Hompesch capitulated, and Napoleon stayed in Malta for a few days during which he systematically looted the moveable assets of the Order and established an administration controlled by his nominees. He then sailed for Egypt leaving a substantial garrison in Malta. Since the Order had also been growing unpopular with the local Maltese, the latter initially viewed the French with optimism. This illusion did not last long. Within months the French were closing convents and seizing church treasures. The Maltese people rebelled, and the French garrison of General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois retreated into Valletta. After several failed attempts by the locals to retake Valletta, they asked the British for assistance. Rear Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson decided on a total blockade, and in 1800 the French garrison surrendered. Bonaparte as general Napoleon Bonaparte ( 15 August 1769 &#8211; 5 May 1821) was a general of the French Revolution and was the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from November 11, 1799 to May 18, 1804, then as Emperor of the French (Empereur des... Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim (9 November 1744 in Bolheim (Württemberg, Germany) – 12 May 1805 in (Montpellier, France) He was the 71st Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, the first German to be elected to the office. ... Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois (1748 - 1839), was a French general. ... Lord Nelson Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (September 29, 1758 &#8211; October 21, 1805) was a British admiral who won fame as a leading naval commander. ...

[edit] British rule

The neutrality of this section is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page.

In 1800, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire. Under the terms of the 1802 Treaty of Amiens, Britain was supposed to evacuate the island, but failed to keep this obligation - one of several mutual cases of non-adherence to the treaty, which eventually led to its collapse and the resumption of war between Britain and France.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... The Treaty of Amiens was signed on March 25, 1802 (Germinal 4, year X in the French Revolutionary Calendar) by Joseph Bonaparte and the Marquis Cornwallis as a Definitive Treaty of Peace between France and the United Kingdom. ...

Although initially the island was not given much importance,^{[citation needed]} its excellent harbours became a prized asset for the British especially after the opening of the Suez canal. The island became a military and naval fortress, the headquarters of the British Mediterranean fleet. Home rule was refused to the Maltese until 1921 although a partly elected legislative council was created as early as 1849, and the locals sometimes suffered considerable poverty.{Attard P.76} For other uses, see Suez (disambiguation). ... Devolution or Home rule is the pooling of powers from central government to government at regional or local level. ...

This was due to the island being overpopulated and largely dependent on British military expenditure which varied with the demands of war. Throughout the 19th century, the British administration instituted several liberal constitutional reforms{Luke ChVIII} which were generally resisted by the Church and the Maltese elite who preferred to cling to their feudal privileges.{Attard P.64:Luke P.107}

In 1919, there were riots over the excessive price of bread. These would lead to greater autonomy for the locals.^{[citation needed]} Malta obtained a bicameral parliament with a Senate (abolished in 1949) and an elected Legislative Assembly. The Constitution was often suspended, however, in order that good governance could continue despite interference in politics by the Church{Attard P.128:Luke.P197} and the reluctance of the Italian-speaking elite to allow the Maltese speaking majority to freely use their own language.{LukeP.111} In government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. ... The House of Representatives Chamber of the Parliament of Australia in Canberra. ...

[edit] Language issue

Before the arrival of the British, the language of the educated elite had been Italian, but this was increasingly downgraded by the increased use of English. In 1934, English and Maltese were declared the sole official languages. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ...

The British associated Italian with the Mussolini regime in Italy, which had made territorial claims on the islands,^{[citation needed]} although the use of Italian by nationalists was more out of cultural affinities with Italy than any sympathy with Italian Fascism.^{[citation needed]} Mussolini redirects here. ... Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and other societal interests subordinate to the interests of the state. ...

In 1934, only about 15% of the population could speak Italian.{Luke P.113} This meant that out of 58,000 males qualified by age to be jurors, only 767 could qualify by language, as only Italian had till then been used in the courts.{Luke P.113} This injustice carried more weight than concerns over Fascism.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] World War II

See also: Siege of Malta (1940)

Before World War II, Valletta was the location of the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet's headquarters. However, despite Winston Churchill's objections,^{[citation needed]} the command was moved to Alexandria, Egypt, early in the war.[Elliot] At the time of the Italian declaration of war (June 10, 1940), Malta had a garrison of less than four thousand soldiers and about five weeks' of food supplies for the population of about three hundred thousand. In addition, Malta's air defences consisted of about forty-two anti-aircraft guns (thirty-four "heavy" and eight "light") and four Gloster Gladiators, for which three pilots were available. The Island of Malta The Siege of Malta was a significant military event in the Mediterranean Theatre of World War II that occurred between 1940 and 1943 on the island of Malta. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... The Mediterranean Fleet was part of the Royal Navy. ... Churchill redirects here. ... This article is about the city in Egypt. ... is the 161st day of the year (162nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... American troops man an anti-aircraft gun near the Algerian coastline in 1943 Anti-aircraft, or air defense, is any method of combating military aircraft from the ground. ... Gloster Gladiator photographed in England in 2002 The Gloster Gladiator was a biplane fighter, used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, as well as a number of other air forces, during World War II. The aircraft had a top speed of around 414 km/h. ...

Being a British colony, situated close to Sicily and the Axis shipping lanes, Malta was bombarded by the Italian and German air forces. Malta was used by the British to launch attacks on the Italian navy and had a submarine base. It was also used as a listening post, reading German radio messages including Enigma traffic.^{[citation needed]} This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In the history of cryptography, the Enigma was a portable cipher machine used to encrypt and decrypt secret messages. ...

The first air raids against Malta occurred on 11 June 1940; there were six attacks that day. The island's biplanes were unable to defend due to the Luqa Airfield being unfinished; however, the airfield was ready by the seventh attack. Initially, the Italians would fly at about 5,500 m, then they dropped down to three thousand metres (in order to improve the accuracy of their bombs). Major Paine stated, "[After they dropped down], we bagged one or two every other day, so they started coming in at [six thousand metres]. Their bombing was never very accurate. As they flew higher it became quite indiscriminate."^{[citation needed]} Mabel Strickland would state, "The Italians decided they didn't like [the Gladiators and AA guns], so they dropped their bombs [thirty kilometres] off Malta and went back."^{[citation needed]} is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Hs123 biplane. ... Mabel Edeline Strickland (1899 - November 29, 1988) was a English journalist and politician, the daughter of Sir Gerald Strickland (later Lord Strickland), the former Prime Minister of Malta. ...

By the end of August, the Gladiators were reinforced by twelve Hawker Hurricanes which had arrived via the HMS Argus. During the first five months of combat, the island's aircraft destroyed or damaged about thirty-seven Italian aircraft. Italian fighter pilot Francisco Cavalera observed, "Malta was really a big problem for us—very well-defended." On Malta, 330 people had been killed and 297 were seriously wounded. In January 1941, the German Fliegerkorps X arrived in Sicily as the Afrika Korps arrived in Libya. The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. ... Argus in harbour in 1918, painted in dazzle camouflage, with a Renown class battlecruiser. ... A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for attacking other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed to attack ground targets, primarily by dropping bombs. ... Francisco Cavalera, during World War II, was an Italian fighter pilot of the Regia Aeronautica. ... The seal of the Deutsches Afrikakorps. ...

On 15 April 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross (the highest civilian award for gallantry) "to the island fortress of Malta — its people and defenders." President Franklin Roosevelt, describing the wartime period, called Malta "one tiny bright flame in the darkness." is the 105th day of the year (106th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions from 11 December 1936 until his death. ... The George Cross award The George Cross was awarded to the island of Malta by King George VI in a letter dated 15 April 1942 [1] to the islands Governor Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie, so as to bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people [2...

[edit] Attempted integration with the United Kingdom

After the war, the islands were given self-rule, with the Maltese Labour Party (MLP) of Dom Mintoff favouring closer integration with the United Kingdom, and the Nationalist Party (PN) of Dr. George Borg Olivier favouring further independence. Dominic Mintoff (born 6 August 1916) was Prime Minister of Malta under British colonial rule, between 1955 and 1958, and then after independence, serving between 1971 and 1984. ... The Nationalist Party (PN, Maltese: Partit Nazzjonalista) is one of two major contemporary political parties in Malta, along with the Malta Labour Party. ... George Borg Olivier (5 July 1911 - 29 October 1980) was three times the Prime Minister of Malta (1950 to 1955 and 1962 to 1971). ...

In December 1955, a Round Table Conference was held in London, on the future of Malta, attended by Mintoff, Borg Olivier and other Maltese politicians, along with the British Colonial Secretary, Alan Lennox-Boyd. The British government agreed to offer the islands their own representation in the British House of Commons, with the Home Office taking over responsibility for Maltese affairs from the Colonial Office. The Secretary of State for the Colonies or Colonial Secretary was the British Cabinet official in charge of managing the various British colonies. ... Alan Tindal Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton CH PC (November 18, 1904–March 8, 1983), was a Conservative Party British politician. ... Type Lower House Speaker of the House of Commons Leader of the House of Commons Michael Martin, (Non-affiliated) since October 23, 2000 Harriet Harman, QC, (Labour) since June 28, 2007 Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Theresa May, PC, (Conservative) since December 6, 2005 Members 646 Political groups... The modern concept of Small Office and Home Office or SoHo , or Small or Home Office deals with the category of business which can be from 1 to 10 workers. ...

Under the proposals, the Maltese Parliament would retain responsibility over all affairs except defence, foreign policy, and taxation. The Maltese were also to have social and economic parity with the UK, to be guaranteed by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), the islands' main source of employment. This received overwhelming support in a referendum on 14 February 1956, although a boycott by the PN and the Roman Catholic Church meant that the result was inconclusive. Further disagreement with the MLP over finance led to the talks breaking down in 1958, with direct rule being imposed by London. is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Catholic Church redirects here. ...

While France had implemented a similar policy in its colonies, some of which became overseas departments, the status offered to Malta from Britain constituted a unique exception. Malta was the only British colony where integration with the UK was seriously considered, and subsequent British governments have ruled out integration for remaining overseas territories, such as Gibraltar. A United Kingdom overseas territory (formerly known as a dependent territory or earlier as a crown colony) is a territory that is under the sovereignty and formal control of the United Kingdom but is not part of the United Kingdom proper (almost exclusively Great Britain and Northern Ireland). ...