Aurelie Jonas, 25 April 2018
The Hypogeum of Malta
Malta is a country that has been inhabited for centuries by civilisations that left us some incredible places. The best example is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum of Paola, one of the most beautiful traces about the past of Malta.
This necropolis has been underground more than 5000 years old and was discovered in 1902. The excavation lasted 7 years, from 1904 to 1911. Another excavation in the 90’s showed off that probably was a monumental structure that served entrance, which unfortunately disappeared. In 1980, It became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What is known today as a cemetery, was known as necropolis in an ancient city, it was a huge burial site because more than 7000 humans skeletons were found. Many other objects were found next to the bodies, such as, amulets, pottery, figurines and more, which added to the oldest and the only prehistoric paintings of Malta. This is a giant complex of different chambers, some of which present specialties like the Oracle Chamber which has great acoustics and was built upon 4 different levels.
​
(The Maltese people) The citizens built the Hypogeum during the Å»ebbuÄ¡, Ä gantija and Tarxien periods from 4100 BCE to 2500 BCE and used it as a temple, a cemetery and a funeral hall.
​
Unfortunately, the Hypogeum is jeopardised due to the visits it receives everyday. The enlightening causes the growth of microorganisms and the people themselves cause CO2. This is why it is imperative to preserve this incredible ancient site.
Sources:
​
​
​
​
