218 BC – 395 AD — Melite and the Rise of Christianity
Introduction
The Roman period marks one of the most stable and prosperous eras in Malta’s history. From 218 BC, the islands were incorporated into the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, becoming known as Melite.
During this time, Malta developed into a thriving Mediterranean community, benefiting from Roman law, infrastructure, and trade networks.
The Roman Conquest (218 BC)
Malta was captured by Roman forces in 218 BC during the early stages of the Second Punic War. The invasion was led by the Roman consul Tiberius Sempronius Longus, who took control of the islands from Carthaginian forces.
Following the conquest, Malta was incorporated into the Roman province of Sicily, marking the beginning of over five centuries of Roman rule.
Melite: The Roman City
Under Roman administration, Malta’s main settlement, located at modern Mdina and Rabat, became known as Melite. This city served as the administrative and cultural centre of the islands.
Melite was significantly larger than modern Mdina and included:
- Forum and administrative buildings
- Residential villas and domus
- Public infrastructure such as baths and roads
The Roman Domus in Rabat remains one of the most important surviving examples of Roman architecture in Malta.
Political Status and Governance
Malta was initially governed as part of the province of Sicily but later achieved the status of municipium, granting it local autonomy. This allowed the inhabitants to manage internal affairs while remaining under Roman authority.
The islands maintained relative stability and were largely removed from the political turmoil affecting Rome itself.
Economy and Trade
Roman Malta prospered through agriculture and trade. The islands were known for producing:
- Textiles, highly valued across the Roman world
- Olive oil and agricultural produce
- Maritime trade goods
Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean made it an important stop for shipping routes, contributing to its economic success.
Saint Paul and the Introduction of Christianity (c. 60 AD)
One of the most significant events of the Roman period is the shipwreck of Saint Paul on Malta around 60 AD, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
According to tradition:
- Paul healed the father of the Roman governor Publius
- He introduced Christianity to the Maltese population
- Publius became the first bishop of Malta
By the 3rd century AD, Christianity had become firmly established on the islands.
Religion and Culture
Before Christianity, Malta followed traditional Roman polytheistic religion, with temples and rituals dedicated to Roman gods.
Over time, Christianity replaced earlier religious practices, transforming Malta into an early Christian community within the Roman Empire.
Archaeological Evidence
Although fewer monumental remains survive compared to prehistoric Malta, several key Roman sites remain:
- Roman Domus (Rabat)
- Catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha
- Roman villas and burial sites
These remains provide valuable insight into daily life, religion, and social organisation during the Roman period.
End of Roman Rule (395 AD)
In 395 AD, the Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western halves. Malta became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, marking the end of the Roman period.
This transition introduced Malta into a new phase of imperial governance, while preserving many Roman cultural elements.
Legacy of Roman Malta
The Roman period left a lasting impact on Malta:
- Introduction of Roman law and governance
- Development of urban centres such as Melite
- Integration into Mediterranean trade networks
- Foundation of Christianity in Malta