Greek words in Maltese harbour toponymy

Abstract

The study presents place names and site names (toponyms) found in the Maltese islands and which comprise Greek words or have origins in the Greek language. With a focus on maritime connections, it presents historic events which would have brought harbour communities in close encounter with the Greek language and culture. Through a multidisciplinary approach the study analyses placenames and site names still used or found in historical documents, backed by archaeological evidence, oral tradition, cartography, other knowledge, and studies. Findings show that in the Maltese islands, placenames mirroring or containing Greek words occur at sea inlets and creeks which could have served as harbours; however, the occurrence of both place names and site names is higher in the south of Malta and around its ancient harbour, witnessing to higher contacts between the two cultures. The study concludes that connections between the Maltese islands and the Greek cultures happened mostly in maritime harbours owing to events in history which gave importance to the use of the Greek language or Greek maritime terminology.