A summary of the history of Malta

Abstract

Introductory Chapter

Geographical situation and features of the island of Malta - Division - Climate - Commerce - Industries and Natural resources - Population - Government - Religion - History.

The Maltese Islands consist of Malta, Gozo, Comino and two other small islands, of little or no importance, called Cominotto and Filfola.

This group of islands is situated in the Mediterranean Sea.

Malta, the largest, lies in 14 °-31' ·of east longitude, and 35°-54'-26" north latitude. Its greatest width is 12 miles, its length 20, its circumference 60 miles, and its area 98 sq. miles.

The nearest lands to Malta are Gozo, Sicily and Africa. Malta is 5 miles distant from Gozo, 60 miles from the nearest point of Sicily and about 179 miles from Africa.

The two chief ports of the island are divided by the oblong peninsula on which the town of Valletta is built. The Grand Harbour which is to the east, is about a mile and a half in length, and less than 3/4 of a mile in width at the mouth. This again contains several convenient creeks viz: Rinella, the creek of the Galleys or of Vittoriosa, the French creek, and the Marsa where even large vessels of war may ride safely at anchor. The entrance of this harbour is defended by the forts St. Elmo, Ricasoli, and the castle of St. Angelo. The harbour to the west, called Marsamuscetto is used by the P. & 0. Company and for vessels arriving from places not in free pratique. Here they are obliged to perform their quarantine, and hence called also the Quarantine harbour. This port is also defended by Fort St. Elmo, on one side, and Fort Tigne on the other. The Fort Manoel, which is built on a small island within the harbour, is also intended to guard the entrance in case of attack... [Excerpt]