Classical and Paleolithic Malta and the Romans (218 B.C. – 5th century A.D.)

As part of the Roman Empire, the Maltese islands enjoyed economic prosperity. The islands became well-known for quality textiles. Malta's new rulers incorporated the islands into the province of Sicily and introduced Roman political and military organization. The Maltese received Roman citizenship in the first century B.C. The Romans built a fortified capital on the site of present-day Mdina and Rabat, and developed port facilities in the Marsa area. Excavations at Ghajn Tuffieha discovered Roman baths that are in a reasonable state of preservation.

Malta entertained some prominent visitors during its Roman period. Cicero planned to visit the island during his period of political disgrace, but never actually got there. The most influential visitor, however, was St. Paul, who was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D. on his way to Rome. According to tradition, he converted the Roman governor, Publius, who later became the first bishop of Malta.

At the time of St. Paul's shipwreck, after nearly two hundred and seventy years of Roman rule, the Maltese spoke neither Greek nor Latin. It is possible that the Maltese continued to speak a dialect of the Phoenician language until the Arab conquest in 870 A.D., long after the Roman economic and political influence subsided. Roman culture did not leave a lasting mark on Malta.

Find detailed chronology here: History 02