Open AccessThe Islands of Malta and Gozo in Greek and Roman History and Literature
Author(s) -
Horatio Caesar Roger Vella
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
literatura/literatūra
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1648-1143
pISSN - 0258-0802
DOI - 10.15388/litera.2021.3.4
Subject(s) - greeks , archipelago , harbour , ancient history , byzantine architecture , archaeology , geography , ancient greek , mediterranean climate , history , classics , computer science , programming language
Malta, Gozo and Comino, the Thrinacia of Homer and the Melitē, Phoebe and Lampas of Scylax, form an archipelago in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea inhabited by both Phoenicians and Greeks before the coming of the Romans to those islands. Many geographers mention them, but other authors refer to their importance as places of production of textiles and other natural goods like oil and honey. Of particular importance was the site of the temple of Juno and Hercules known to Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans as well as to Numidians. Malta and Gozo were also praised for their good harbors and stone. The Grand Harbour itself served as an important Byzantine base with its tower and inner harbour, both places bearing Greek names. Malta was converted to Christianity in AD 60 following St Paul’s shipwreck there, where he spent three winter months. The aim of this article is to scrutinize the information about Malta and Gozo in numerous Greek, Roman and Christian sources.