Malta Historical Timeline
2011, May 28
Malta votes in favour of divorce in a referendum. Parliament approved the law on 25 July and the law came into effect on 1 October.
2008, January 1
Malta adopts the euro, which replaces the Maltese lira.
2004, May 1
Malta becomes a member of the European Union.
2003, April 16
Malta signs accession treaty to the European Union.
2003, March 8
A referendum regarding Malta joining the European Union results in 143,094 votes cast in favour and 123,628 against
2000
Capital punishment abolished from military code of Malta.
1998, September
The new Nationalist government reactivates Malta's EU application.
1996, October
The new Labour government suspends Malta's EU application.
1993
Local Councils are re-established in Malta.
1990, July 16
Malta applies to join the European Union.
1981, December 21
In the national election, the Malta Labour Party remained in Government notwithstanding the fact that 51% of the electorate voted in favour of the Partit Nazzjonalista. In the wake of this result, the constitution is amended to provide a mechanism whereby the party with a majority of the popular vote would be awarded a sufficient number of additional seats to give it a legislative majority.
1979, March 31
Freedom Day, Termination of the Military Base Agreement. The Duke of Edinburgh oversees the departure of the last British forces from Malta.
1975, June 25
Malta withdraws recognition of titles of nobility.
1974, December 13
Malta becomes a Republic, with the last Governor-General, Sir Anthony Mamo, serving as its first President. Malta remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
1973, January 29
Malta decriminalises homosexuality.
1972, May 16
Malta adopts the Maltese pound.
1972
Malta enters into a Military Base Agreement with the United Kingdom and other NATO countries.
1971, October 4
Capital punishment for murder abolished.
1970, December 5
Malta becomes an Associate member of the European Community.
1965
Malta joins the Council of Europe.
1964, December 1
Malta joins the United Nations.
1964, September 21
The Duke of Edinburgh represents The Queen at the Independence celebrations, which were held just six months following the birth of Prince Edward.
1964, September 21
Malta is granted independence from the United Kingdom as a Constitutional Monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State.
1961 - 1973
Gozo is granted a local government system.
1961
The State of Malta is created pursuant to the Blood Constitution, which provides for a measure of self-government.
1959
Malta is granted an Interim Constitution, providing for the creation of an Executive Council.
1958
The United Kingdom imposes direct colonial rule over Malta.
1958
Talks between Valletta and Whitehall regarding the integration proposal break down.
1957
Closure of the British naval docks in Grand Harbour has a devastating effect on the Maltese economy, leading to high unemployment at a time when a quarter of the workforce was employed in defence related activities.
1956, February 14
A referendum is held on the integration of Malta into the United Kingdom: 75% vote 'Yes'; however, the result is deemed to be questionable due to a boycott by 40% of the electorate in response to concerns raised by opposition parties and by the Catholic Church.
1955, December
A Round Table Conference is held in London, on the future of Malta.
1947
Malta receives £30 million to assist with post-War reconstruction.
1947
Restoration of Self-Government.
1946
A National Assembly is created.
1945, March 8
The Maltese exiles are repatriated from Uganda.
1945, January 30 - February 3
Malta Conference (1945); President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom meet on Malta to plan the final campaign against the Germans with the combined Chiefs of Staff, and to prepare for the Yalta Conference.
1944
The diocese of Malta is elevated to a Metropolitan See by Pope Pius XII.
1943, September 29
The Italian fleet's surrender in Malta is signed by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio.
1943, September 11
Admiral Andrew Browne Cunningham signals to the British Admiralty: "Be pleased to inform Their Lordships that the Italian battle fleet now lies at anchor under the guns of the fortress of Malta."
1943, September 8
On the national holiday that commemorates the lifting of the Siege of Malta (1565), Italy announces its unconditional surrender to the Allied forces, thus ending the second Siege of Malta (1940).
1943, July 9
Operation Husky; 2,760 ships and major landing craft converge in a rendezvous near Malta in preparation for the Allied invasion of Sicily, under the command of U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was stationed in the Lascaris War Rooms, in Valletta.
1943, June 6
The 21st Engineer Aviation Regiment of the USAAF arrives on Gozo to construct a landing strip at Xewkija in preparation for the Allied invasion of Italy; the airfield is constructed in 18 days.
1942, August 15
With the people of Malta near starvation after two years of virtually constant bombardment, Operation Pedestal brings the "Santa Marija Convoy" to Malta, saving the Islands from a planned surrender to the Axis powers.
1942, April 15
The George Cross is awarded to Malta by King George VI, so as to "bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people".
1942, April 9
A 200 kg bomb pierces the dome of the Rotunda of Sta. Marija Assunta, Mosta, but skids across the floor without exploding; two other bombs bounce off the roof and fail to explode; 300 people were hearing Mass inside the church at the time.
1942, April 7
The Royal Opera House, Valletta, is destroyed by Luftwaffe bombers.
1942, April
The Court of Appeal declares that the deportation to Uganda of "pro-Italian" Maltese subjects was illegal, null, and without effect. The deportees remain in Uganda nonetheless.
1942, February 9
In the Council of Government, Nationalist Party member Sir Ugo Mifsud gives a spirited, juridical rebuttal of Britain's policy of deporting "italo-phile" Maltese subjects; he collapses in the Chamber of Deputies, and dies two days later.
1942, February - March 8
Governor Dobbie issues a warrant for the deportation, exile and internment in Uganda of 47 Maltese (including Dr. Enrico Mizzi) who were suspected of pro-Italian sentiments.
1940, June 11
First air raids on Malta. Malta would go on to endure the heaviest, sustained bombing attack of the War: some 154 days and nights and 6,700 tons of bombs.
1940, June 10
Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom.
1940, May 30
Dr. Enrico Mizzi, co-leader of the Partito Nazionalista, is arrested and imprisoned in Fort San Salvatore, to secure "the public safety and the Defence of the [Maltese Islands]...in view of the hostile origin or association of Dr. Enrico Mizzi."
1940
Throughout World War II, Malta plays an important role due to the strategic location of the Grand Harbour at the crossroads of the Axis shipping lanes.
1935 - 1939
Tension runs high in Malta due to the possibility of Italy entering the war against the allies.
1935 - 1939
Mussolini's Abyssinian War and intervention on the side of Franco in the Spanish Civil War ends any possibility of reconciliation between Italy and the United Kingdom.
1934
English and Maltese are declared the official languages of Malta, to the exclusion of Italian which had been the primary language of government, commerce, education and culture in Malta for more than 800 years.
1930, March 31
The Malta Railway service is terminated.
1930
The 1921 Constitution is suspended.
1929, December 15
The Malta Tramway service is terminated.
1921, November 1
The first Legislature is officially opened.
1921, April 14
Constitution of 1921 is promulgated, and it grants autonomy by providing for a bicameral legislature with the power to legislate on all matters not considered "reserved" for colonial interest.
1919, June 7
Sette Giugno protests over increases in the price of bread. British soldiers fire on the crowd and kill four Maltese protesters, during a violent riot instigated by students. The protests lead to greater autonomy for the Maltese.
1917
Dr. Enrico Mizzi is court-martialled for sedition, and sentenced to one year imprisonment. His sentence is subsequently commuted, and a pardon is issued.
1914 - 1918
Throughout World War I, especially following the failed invasion of Gallipoli, many casualties are shipped to hospitals in Malta, resuming its role as the Nurse of the Mediterranean.
1912
Dr. Enrico Mizzi, a staunch supporter of the italianità of Malta, proposes in a journal article that Britain could exchange Malta for Eritrea with Italy, on the understanding that Britain would be granted access to Maltese harbours and facilities. The article proposes an Italo-Maltese federation, with elected Maltese representatives in the Italian parliament.
1908, July
Malta Tramways Limited assumes operations of the electric tramway service.
1905, February 23
An electric tramway service is introduced in Malta by McCartney, McElroy & Co. Ltd., connecting Valletta, the Three Cities, and Żebbuġ and Ħamrun.
1900
The Malta Railway line is extended to Mtarfa Barracks.
1892, February 25
The Malta Railway reopens, under government management.
1890, March 31
Malta Railway Company Ltd. is declared bankrupt. The Malta Railway is closed.
1887
Constitution of 1887 provides that four members in the Council of members were to represent the clergy, the nobility and landed proprietors, university graduates and the merchants.
1883, September 8
(Otto Settembre) is recommended as a national holiday, commemorating the victory of the Knights and the Maltese over the Ottoman Empire in the Siege of Malta (1565).
1883, February 28
The Malta Railway service is inaugurated, with service from Valletta to Floriana, Ħamrun, Msida, Birkirkara, Lija, San Antonio, Attard, Mosta (San Salvatore), and Mdina.
1880
In education, "Anglicization" of Maltese students becomes a matter of policy.
1878
21 titles of nobility were successfully claimed by various individuals before a Royal Commission.
1870
J.S. Tucker proposes the construction of a railway from Valletta to Mdina.
1869, November 17
Opening of the Suez Canal. This greatly enhanced the importance of the Grand Harbour to British merchant marine and naval shipping.
1864, September 16
Pope Pius IX issues a papal bull entitled Singulari Amore (With remarkable love), separating the islands of Gozo and Comino from the diocese of Malta; seven days later, Michele Francesco Buttigieg is elected first Bishop of Gozo.
1860, October 25
The Colonial Office in London approves the establishment of a separate Roman Catholic diocese for Gozo.
1855, June 9
Three Gozitan representatives personally petition Pope Pius IX for a separate Roman Catholic diocese for Gozo; the pontiff promises his support.
1853
The Crimean War; Malta serves as a hospital base for wounded combatants, and acquires the nickname Nurse of the Mediterranean.
1849
Malta was granted a Constitution providing for a Council of Government of eighteen members of whom eight were to be elected by the people.
1836, December 30
Second petition for a separate Roman Catholic diocese for Gozo is presented to Pope Gregory XVI.
1835, June 20
Malta was granted a Constitution providing for a Council of Government of seven members of whom three were to be nominated Maltese representatives.
1831, June 20
The diocese of Malta is separated from that of Palermo.
1814 - 1930
The Grand Harbour becomes an important shipping waystation, eventually serving as the headquarters for the Mediterranean Fleet.
1814
Under the Treaty of Paris, and subsequently ratified by the Congress of Vienna, Malta status as a British Crown Colony is confirmed.
1813
Malta is granted the Bathurst Constitution.
1813, June 23
Civil Commissioner Sir Hildebrand-Oakes is replaced by Sir Thomas Maitland, the first to be described by the British as ‘Governor’. Malta becomes a crown colony.
1813, March 28 - 1814, May
A plague epidemic begins, killing around 4,500 people until its end in May 1814.
1809
Sir Alexander Ball dies in October and is succeeded by the military commander, Major-General Hildebrand-Oakes.
1807, April 4
Beginning of the Froberg mutiny at Fort Ricasoli.
1806, July 18
A gunpowder magazine explosion in Birgu kills around 200 people.
1803, May - 1809
Sir Alexander Ball was appointed Civil Commissioner and immediately instructed the removal of Neapolitan forces from the Island.
1802
Under the Peace of Amiens, Britain is ordered to return Malta to the Knights of St John, but facing imminent hostilities by Napoleonic France, Britain chooses not to comply.
1802
First Declaration of Rights issued in Malta: Dichiarazione dei Diritti degli Abitanti di Malta e Gozo, including the right to freedom of conscience under the rule of law.
1801, June 24
Admiral Sir Alexander Ball is sent to Malta as Plenipotentiary Minister of His British Majesty for the Order of Saint John, with orders to evacuate the British forces from the Islands, and to prepare for their return to the Knights of St. John.
1801
Tsar Paul I of Russia demands the return of Malta to the Knights. A Statue of the great German leader is established for peace amends
1800, September 4
The French surrender. General Vaubois surrendered and with Rear Admiral Villeneuve, Major General Pigot and Captain Martin, signed the articles of Capitulation. Although 20,000 Maltese died during the uprising, not one Maltese was present to sign the document. Malta and Gozo become a Protectorate.
1799
Maltese uprising against the French following extensive pillaging of Maltese churches and cathedrals. Britain takes Malta under its protection, in the name of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The Union Jack flies over Valletta for the first time, alongside the Neapolitan flag.
1798, October 28
The French forces in Gozo surrender and the island becomes independent. First petition for the establishment of a separate Roman Catholic diocese on Gozo, led by Archpriest Saverio Cassar sent a day later.
1798, October
Tsar Paul I of Russia became de facto Grand Master of the Order, and orders the creation of a "Throne of Malta," in the Vorontsov Palace in St. Petersburg (now on display in the State Hermitage Museum).
1798
Slavery, the Roman Inquisition, and all titles of nobility are abolished in Malta.
1798, June 12
The Commission of Government is appointed. General Claude Henri Belgrand de Vaubois is appointed Military Governor. The islands are divided into 12 municipalities.
1798, June 12
The Order capitulates. The Act of capitulation of Malta is signed on 12 June by on the one part by Napoleon on behalf of the French Republic, on the other six signed on behalf of the Order, the people of Malta and the King of Spain.
1798, June 9
Napoleon invades Malta. Mdina (Notabile) capitulates on 10 June. The act of capitulation of Mdina is signed on the one part by Vincenzo Barbara representing the French Republic and the Hakem together with the jurats representing the people.
1797, March 3
By a Papal brief dated 3 March 1797, Bishop Vincenzo Labini and all his successors in the diocese of Malta, were given the title of 'Bishop of Malta and Archbishop of Rhodes'. This privilege was suppressed in 1928, and the title was changed to 'Archbishop, Bishop of Malta'.
1792
Fort Tigné built.
1775, September 8
Rising of the Priests.
1760 - 1778
After the death of the Baron Paolo Testaferrata, the office of 'Depositario' within the Inquisition was continued by his widow Vincenza Matilde Testaferrata. With the exception of a short period, she remained in office until 1778.
1758
Fort Chambray built.
1749, June 29
Conspiracy of the Slaves.
1732, January 9
The Manoel Theatre (then known as the Teatro Pubblico) opens in Valletta with a performance of Scipione Maffei's classic tragedy Merope.
1723, September 14 - 1755
Fort Manoel built.
1720
Perellos Tower built.
1715
Many coastal batteries and redoubts are built.
1710, December 24
First grant in favour of locals (including a woman) of a title of nobility to have been created by the Grand Masters. Grand Master Perellos granted the title of Baron of Gomerino jointly to Paolo and Beatrice Testaferrata.
1675, December 24 - 1676
A plague epidemic begins, killing around 11,300 people.
1670, June 15 - 1693
Fort Ricasoli built.
1667
Sopu Tower built.
1658, March - 1659
De Redin towers built.
1655
A plague outbreak kills 20 people.
1637-1652
Lascaris towers built.
1634, September 12
A gunpowder factory explosion in Valletta kills 22 people.
1623
A plague outbreak kills around 40 people.
1616
William Lithgow reports that on a visit to Malta he "saw a Spanish soldier and a Maltese boy burnt in ashes, for the public profession of sodomy". The following day more than one hundred young men flee to Sicily for fear of suffering a similar fate.
1615, April 21
Wignacourt Aqueduct inaugurated
1614, July 6
Razzia by the Ottoman Empire.
1610, February 16
Wignacourt towers built.
1605
Garzes Tower built.
1592, May 7
A plague epidemic begins, killing around 3,000 people until its end in September 1593.
1566, March 28
The founding of Malta's new capital city, Valletta. A general strengthening of Malta's fortifications is undertaken.
1565, September 11
Turkish forces retreat from Malta.
1565, September 7
Don Garcia's reinforcements, known as the Grande Soccorso ("great relief"), finally arrive.
1565, July 12
Senglea is besieged.
1565, July 9
Reinforcements sent by Viceroy Don García de Toledo fail to make harbour, as a result of the fall of Fort St. Elmo, and return to Sicily.
1565, July 8
The Turkish forces are reinforced with the arrival of 29 vessels and 2,500 warriors accompanied by the Bey of Algiers.
1565, July 3
The Turkish fleet is transported on rollers, overland, from Marsamxett Harbour to Grand Harbour, in preparation for an assault on Senglea.
1565, June 29
Four galleys land in the north of Malta, bringing 600 soldiers, 42 knights, 56 gunners and numerous volunteers, to reinforce the Island's defences; they walk to Mdina by night, and then on to Birgu the following morning.
1565, June 23
Turkish commanders order all the dead Knights found in St. Elmo to be beheaded; their mutilated bodies are floated across Grand Harbour on planks towards the bastions of Senglea and Birgu.
1565, June 23
Fort St. Elmo falls to the Turks.
1565, May 20
The Turkish fleet anchors at Marsaxlokk, moved to Żejtun and sets up camp at Marsa.
1565, May 19
A storm prevents the Turkish fleet from landing at Marsaxlokk; the vessels are sheltered in Ġnejna Bay and at Għajn Tuffieħa.
1565, May 18
Ottoman armada sighted off the coast of Malta, signalling the start of the Great Siege of Malta.
1565, April 16
Evacuation to Sicily of "a great number of people" from Malta, including large numbers of Maltese nobility, in anticipation of the imminent invasion.
1565, March 30
The Spanish Viceroy of Sicily, Don García de Toledo y Osorio, tours the Island's fortifications; he promises the Knights that in the coming invasion they need only hold out until June, when he would bring his armada back to assist Malta.
1565, March 30
Ottoman fleet leaves Constantinople for Malta; Queen Elizabeth remarks: "If the Turks should prevail against the Isle of Malta, it is uncertain what further peril might follow to the rest of Christendom."
1564, December
The Ottoman war council in Constantinople decrees that Malta is to be invaded and conquered.
1561
The Holy Inquisition is established in Malta. Domenico Cubelles is the first Inquisitor.
1560
The Knights of Malta escalate their corsairing activities in the western Mediterranean.
1557, August 21
Jean Parisot de Valette is elected Grand Master of the Knights of Malta.
1553
Juan de Vega prohibited exportation of wheat to Malta so mills were built to prevent starvation.
1553
Charles V offered Mahdia to the Order of Saint John but the Order declined, so he ordered the destruction of the city.
1552, April
Fearing further razzias by Turks and Barbary corsairs, one thousand Maltese flee Malta, seeking refuge in Sicily.
1552
Construction of Fort Saint Michael, in Senglea.
1551
Pope Julius III suggests that the Knights should abandon Malta, and retreat to Messina or Syracuse.
1551, August 15
The Knights' local governor, Gaspar de Vallier, negotiates a truce that ensures safe passage from Tunis to Malta for the Knights of the garrison, but excludes the Maltese, Calabrian and Rhodian soldiers, who are auctioned off into slavery by the Turks.
1551
Turgut sails south to Tripoli, and conquers the Knights' fortress.
1551, July
Razzia on the Island of Gozo by the Turkish invaders; the Knights' local governor, Galatian de Sesse, surrenders the Citadel; almost all the inhabitants of Gozo (some 5,000 to 6,000 people) are enslaved, and transported to Tarhuna Wa Msalata in Libya from Mġarr ix-Xini.
1551, July
The Turkish invaders abandon the harbour area and sail north to St. Paul's Bay, and stage a short-lived siege on Mdina.
1551, July 18
Ottomans and Barbary pirates attempt to capture Malta, landing some 10,000 men at Marsa Muscietto.
1551, May
Ottomans and Barbary pirates under the command of Turgut Reis and Sinan Pasha commence a series of attacks on eastern Sicily and Malta, in revenge for the events in Mahdia.
1550, June
Andrea Doria and Claude de la Sengle, bailli of the French langue of the Knights, capture and massacre the population of Mahdia, in Tunisia.
1547
Attempted invasion of Malta at Marsaxlokk, by Ottomans and Barbary pirates under the command of Turgut Reis.
1540
Increasingly frequent razzias on Malta and Italy by Ottomans and Barbary pirates.
1535
First known celebration of Carnival in Malta.
1533
Fortification and development of Fort St Elmo, on the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula (now, Valletta).
1531
The Knights stage their first attacks from their new naval base in Malta, forming part of a Christian fleet under the command of Admiral Andrea Doria in attacks on the Turks at Modone, on the Ottoman fort at Coronna and, in 1535, on Tunis.
1530, October 26
In an effort to protect Rome from Islamic invasion, Emperor Charles V grants the Maltese Islands to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in perpetual fief.
1522
Suleiman I drives the Military Hospitaller Knights of St. John of Jerusalem out of Rhodes.
1436
In the 'Rollo' (inventory) of the benefices of the churches and chapels in Malta and Gozo, held by Bishop de Mello, ten established chapels are mentioned: The Cathedral of Mdina and the Church of San Lorenzo a Mare (Birgu), the 'Nativity of the Virgin' (Naxxar), 'Saint Helen' (Birkirkara), 'Saint George' (Qormi), 'Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Bir Miftuh/Gudja ), Saint Philip of Aggira (Zebbug), 'Saint Nicholas of Bari' (Siggiewi), 'Saint Catherine of Alexandria' (Zejtun and Zurrieq), Saint Domenica' (Dingli), and 'the Nativity of the Virgin' (Mellieha).
1429
The Hafsid Berbers attempt to capture Malta.
1427, January 3
King Alfonso incorporates Malta to the Crown of Aragon (Kingdom of Sicily), and promises never to grant Malta as a fief to any third party.
1425
The Maltese do not submit to Aragonese rule until the Magna Charta Libertatis granting them their new rights is delivered to them.
1425
Impressed by the loyalty of his Maltese subjects, King Alfonso declares Malta to be the most notable gem in his Crown. The old capital city of Mdina acquires the name Città Notabile, as a result.
1425
Negotiations drag on for several months during which only 10,000 florins are collected and the negotiated time elapses. However Monroy dies retaining for his heirs only a third of the sum collected and ordering that another third be returned to the Maltese. The last third he left to the King to be spent on strengthening the fortifications of Malta.
1425
Don Gonsalvo Monroy agrees to the terms but demands hostages to be held for as long as his wife is held in Malta. The impasse is resolved when Antonio Inguanez offers his two sons as hostages.
1425
Maltese representatives appear before the Court of Sicily, offering to "redeem" the Islands by repaying the 30,000 florins originally paid by Don Gonsalvo Monroy for his fiefdom over Malta, and asking King Alfonso to incorporate the Islands into his Royal Domains.
1425
The Maltese insurgents repel an attempt by the Viceroy of Sicily to bring the island to order.
1425
Don Gonsalvo Monroy appears before the Court of Sicily demanding that the strongest possible measures be taken against the insurgents.
1425
Don Gonsalvo Monroy's wife Donna Costanza is held hostage in the Castellamare (Fort St Angelo).
1425
Uprising by the Maltese against Don Gonsalvo Monroy during his absence from the island, Count of Malta.
1420
The 'Consiglio Popolare' is mentioned when King Alphonsus of Aragon mortgaged the islands to Antonio Cardona.
1419
The Militia List is drawn up, giving information about the population of Malta in the Middle Ages.
1397
Establishment of the Università, a form of local government, in Malta.
1397
Second Incorporation of the Maltese Islands into the Royal Domain (Kingdom of Sicily).
1356
Giacomo Pelegrino is noted as 'Capitano della Verga' ('Hakem').
1350
First Incorporation of the Maltese Islands into the Royal Domain (Kingdom of Sicily).
1350
Grant in fief of lands 'Diar el Bniet' by Louis of Sicily (House of Aragon) to Francesco Gatto on 4 January 1350, by a privilegium given at Messina, the fief having reverted to the Crown after it had been held by Michele Bava.
1283
Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Crown of Aragon.
1266
Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Angevins.
1240
Stationing of a Norman and Sicilian (Swabian) Garrison on Malta.
1224
Expulsion of all Muslims from Malta and Sicily.
1223
The exile to Malta of the entire male population of the town of Celano (Italy).
1194
Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Swabians (House of Hohenstaufen).
1192
Margaritus of Brindisi was created first Count of Malta, perhaps for his unexpected success in capturing Empress Constance contender to the Sicilian throne.
1154
The Catholic Church in Malta is incorporated into the See of Palermo.
1144
Second attempt by the Byzantine Empire to recapture the Islands.
1127
Christianity re-established as the Islands' dominant religion.
1127
A Norman governor is installed, and Norman soldiers are garrisoned in Malta's three main castles.
1127
Norman control over Malta is consolidated under Roger II of Sicily.
1122
Arab uprising against the Normans in Malta.
1091
The Norman Count Roger I of Sicily invades Malta and the Muslim inhabitants negotiate a peaceful surrender. Gozo is sacked by the Normans.
1054-1053
The Byzantine Empire unsuccessfully attempts to recapture the islands.
909 AD
Fatimids conquered Malta.
870 AD
Improved agriculture and irrigation systems are introduced, including the 'noria' or waterwheel; cotton and citrus fruits are introduced to Malta.
870 AD
The Arabs construct a fort on the site of present-day Fort St Angelo.
870 AD
The fortified Roman settlement of Melita, on the highlands in the centre of Malta, is reduced in size, further fortified, and renamed Medina, precursor to the Medieval city of Mdina.
870 AD
Malta is conquered by Aghlabid Arabs.
533 AD
Belisarius restores the Maltese Islands to the Byzantine Empire.
464 AD
Malta is occupied by the Goths.
454 AD
Malta is occupied by the Vandals.
400 AD
A Western Roman church is built over the remains of the Tas-Silġ megalithic temples.
395 AD
Western Roman rule over Malta, following the final division of the Roman Empire.
117 AD
Malta becomes a municipium during the reign of Hadrian.
60 AD
Saint Publius Prince of Malta. First Bishop of Malta.
60 AD
Saint Paul shipwrecked on the island.
41 AD
The Maltese are granted municipal privileges by Rome.
150 BC
Third Punic War.
200 BC
A Roman temple, dedicated to the goddess Hera, is built over the remains of the Tas-Silġ megalithic temples.
218 BC
Beginnings of the Maltese textile industry.
218 BC
Malta is incorporated into the Roman Republic, within the province of Sicily.
218 BC
Invasion of Malta by Titus Sempronius Longus.
221 BC
Second Punic War.
264 BC
First Punic War.
480 BC
The islands come under the control of Carthage, a former Phoenician colony, and rapidly develop into a Carthaginian naval base.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, conquers Phoenicia.
700 BC
A Punic temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Astarte, is built over the remains of the Tas-Silġ megalithic temples.
720 BC
A Phoenician colony is founded on Malta.
1000 BC
The colonisation of the Maltese Islands by the Phoenicians begins. Earliest evidence of commerce and increased contacts with surrounding Mediterranean cultures.
1000 BC
The Phoenicians were present on Malta before the end of the 2nd millennium BC.