From prehistoric to historic Malta : a discussion of the sources

Abstract

Among Anthony Frendo's favourite research topics is the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age in Syro-Palestine, with particular reference to the emergence of ancient Israel. On the other hand, he has constantly promoted a particular methodology in the treatment of textual and archaeological sources within particular geographical and archaeological parameters, such as in biblical studies. I earnestly hope, therefore, that this modest contribution relating to the application of the same, or similar, methodology to Maltese archaeology will not seem inappropriate in this volume in his honour. Essentially, and simplistically put, Frendo holds that whenever and wherever there exist both written sources and archaeological evidence and they are in varying degrees conflicting with each other, the best way to go about interpreting them is to do so for one type of evidence independently of the other, as if the latter did not exist. Then, after completing that exercise for each source of evidence, one may try to reconcile the separate conclusions, if they are conflicting in any way.