Paleo-Christian, Byzantine and Muslim art and architecture on the Maltese islands : an art historical gazetteer

Abstract

This dissertation deals with three prominent periods that fit into the study of Medieval Malta. These periods will be further analysed with the archaeological material culture as well as the architectural typologies that have characterised these periods. The introduction will discuss the research that has so far been done by many scholars as well as archaeologists on these three periods. Chapter one will discuss the Early Christian era and how Christianity made its way to the Maltese islands. Primarily, it will discuss how Malta became part of the Roman Empire. The chapter will continue to discuss the shipwreck of St. Paul and will additionally examine the most significant early Christian hypogea and catacombs. The fresco paintings in St. Agatha and St. Paul, the rock engravings at ta’ Xagħra ta’ Santa Duminka and Ħal Resqun hypogea and other decorative aspects that have adorned these burial places will be used to illustrate the art historical research. Chapter two will start by introducing Malta under Odovacer, the Ostrogoth King. It will go on into the Byzantine sources that have so far contributed to the study of Byzantine Malta. This part will debate the several episcopal lists, documents and relevant sources that mention Malta and Gozo. Later throughout the chapter, examples of Byzantine oratories and artefacts such as the Statue of the Cripple, the Nicetas and the Theophylact seals will be discussed within this context because of their significant importance to this period. The last chapter will focus on Muslim Malta. The Arab chroniclers such as Al- Bakri, Al-Qazwîni and Al-Himyari amongst other will be discussed. It will delve into the hypothesis of Malta as a deserted island, the immigration of Muslim communities in 1048/49 A.D., the raid by Count Roger in 1091 A.D., the re-conquest of the twelfth century, ending with the expulsion of the Muslims and the re-Christianisation of the island. This chapter will be illustrated with related archaeological material culture recovered from the Muslim burial ground behind the Domus Romana; the prismatic stelae and the silver ring. Additionally, artefacts from Gozo will also be included; the Maimuna Stone and the prismatic stele. On the other hand, architecture will feature and discuss the typical Muslim house, the dkieken and siqifah, muxrabiji, and roundel carvings. In the end, these chapters will be followed by an art historical gazetteer that will have brief descriptions about the art and architecture concerning this study. This will be followed by appendices of plates. The aim for this study is to provide a coherent idea of what research has been done so far on Medieval Malta and brings together three periods that at some points intertwined with each other. The reader here is introduced to the historical context and the influences in art and architecture that Malta and Gozo succumbed to during the Early Christian, Byzantine and Muslim periods.