Prehistoric ships in Malta

Abstract

Discoveries at the megalithic temples of Tarxien revealed graffiti of various types of ships strongly suggesting the popularity of Malta's natural harbours as a refuge to the ancient seafarer from the fierce gregale winds. Comparable material acts as supporting evidence indicating maritime connections, possibly regular sea routes, between the Maltese Islands and the Cyclades Islands. There are also indications of Egyptian and Assyrian links with our harbours too. These archaeological traces seem to have been oblations to the deity by those ancient mariners who had escaped from some tragedy at sea. Ex voto offerings were actually an ancient custom, attested even by Cicero in his De Natura Rerum Book Ill. [excerpt]