L' archipel maltais dans la litterature historico-geographique d' expression arabe a I'epoque medievale

Abstract

A number of documents relating to Malta are examined: most of the texts have been studied by the author in their manuscript form and are quoted here in a French translation. From the geographers' writings one gets an idea of the way in which Malta was pictured by these writers. A discussion follows, founded on the various historical sources quoted, about the still uncertain date of the conquest of Malta. But the author wonders at the general lack of interest about Malta (its population, language, customs, etc.) shown. However, one piece of information about the organization of the Maltese society is noteworthy, provided by al-Qazwini.