The study of Malta’s demographic history : some reflections

Abstract

The aim of this brief analysis is to take a quick look at the evolution of the scientific study of Malta’s demographic history. Historians have long shown an interest in counting the number of inhabitants who lived in the distant past and understand the significance of demographic mutations. Until the 1950s scholars could never go into detail or carry out in-depth research of these past societies because the necessary techniques to study different population trends were still lacking. From early modern times, scholars sought to study the effects of natural and human catastrophes in a scientific manner.