c. 700–218 BC — Malta Enters Mediterranean History
Introduction
The Phoenician and Punic period marks Malta’s transition from prehistory into recorded history. From around the 8th century BC, Phoenician traders established Malta as a key maritime hub, later bringing it under the control of Carthage and integrating the islands into a vast Mediterranean network of trade and culture.
The Arrival of the Phoenicians (c. 8th century BC)
The Phoenicians were a seafaring Semitic civilisation originating from the eastern Mediterranean, particularly modern-day Lebanon. They expanded across the Mediterranean through trade, establishing ports and settlements along major maritime routes.
Malta’s natural harbours and central position made it an ideal stopover. The Phoenicians settled on the islands around 700 BC, using them primarily as a trading base rather than a large colony.
They established key settlements, including what became Mdina, known as Maleth, meaning “safe haven” or “port.”
Malta as a Maritime Trading Hub
Under Phoenician influence, Malta became part of an extensive trade network linking the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Europe.
- Trade in metals, textiles, and agricultural goods
- Use of Malta as a refuelling and resupply station
- Integration into long-distance maritime routes
The islands’ strategic position allowed them to function as a key intermediary between major ancient civilisations.
Carthaginian (Punic) Rule (c. 550–218 BC)
As Phoenician power declined in the eastern Mediterranean, Carthage—its major colony in North Africa—emerged as the dominant force. Around 550 BC, Malta came under Carthaginian control, entering the Punic period.
Under Carthaginian rule, Malta was further developed economically and administratively, becoming an important outpost within a growing western Mediterranean empire.
The Punic period lasted until 218 BC, when Malta was captured by the Romans during the Second Punic War.
Society and Economy
The inhabitants of Phoenician-Punic Malta engaged in agriculture and trade, producing goods such as:
- Olives and olive oil
- Carob
- Textiles
These products were traded across the Mediterranean, contributing to Malta’s economic integration into regional markets.
Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a relatively prosperous and organised society, with elite burials and imported goods indicating wealth and international connections.
Language and Writing
One of the most important contributions of the Phoenicians was the introduction of writing. Malta became literate during this period through the use of the Phoenician alphabet, one of the earliest alphabetic writing systems.
Inscriptions discovered in Malta and Gozo provide evidence of Phoenician-Punic language use, marking a shift from prehistoric oral culture to recorded communication.
Religion and Beliefs
Phoenician and Punic religion was polytheistic, centred around deities such as Baal and Astarte. Religious practices included temple worship and ritual offerings.
Sites such as Tas-Silġ show continuity of religious use from prehistoric times through the Punic period and later into Roman and Christian eras.
Archaeological Evidence
Although fewer monumental remains survive compared to prehistoric Malta, several important Punic sites have been identified:
- Rock-cut tombs around Rabat and Mtarfa
- Tas-Silġ sanctuary complex
- Żurrieq Punic tower (6th century BC)
These remains provide valuable insight into burial practices, architecture, and daily life during the period.
Artefacts such as amulets, pottery, and inscriptions further demonstrate cultural links with North Africa and the wider Phoenician world.
Transition to Roman Rule (218 BC)
Malta’s Punic period ended during the Second Punic War, when Roman forces captured the islands in 218 BC. This marked the beginning of a new phase of integration into the Roman Republic.
Despite the political transition, Punic language and cultural elements continued to influence Malta for centuries afterward.
Legacy of Phoenician and Punic Malta
The Phoenician and Punic period left a lasting impact on Malta:
- Introduction of writing and literacy
- Integration into Mediterranean trade networks
- Urban foundations such as Mdina
- Early Semitic linguistic influences