Malta is a Mediterranean island republic in the Mediterranean Sea. Map of Malta location in the Mediterranean Sea has allowed it to be a part of numerous significant historical events and cultures throughout its history. Around 5200 BC, the first inhabitants of Malta arrived from Sicily, Italy’s largest island, which is located immediately north of Malta in the Mediterranean. Around 2500 BC, the island saw a population decline, which was eventually replaced by another group, who most likely arrived from Sicily but carried with them other traditions during the Bronze Age.

First Punic War

Malta was located along trade routes that crossed the Mediterranean, with some of those businessmen bringing new cultural influences to the island’s inhabitants. The Phoenicians, who settled in Medina, were among them. Around 400 BC, the Phoenicians were defeated by the Carthaginians, who ruled the island until the Punic Wars broke out in 264 BC, when the Maltese revolted. Malta shifted its allegiance to Rome during the First Punic War, and remained so during the Second Punic War , becoming a part of the Roman Empire. Around the fourth century, when the Roman Empire divided, Map of Malta became part of the Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, where it stayed until around 870 AD.

Series of kings

Arab conquerors invaded approximately 870 AD and destroyed much of the civilization on Malta (and neighboring Sicily), abandoning it until 1048, when they decided to settle it. In 1091, the Norman Invasion occurred, and Malta was soon united with Sicily to form the Kingdom of Sicily, which was ruled by a succession of rulers. After that, in 1530, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V signed a lease giving the Knights Hospitalet possession of Malta. The Grand Master of the Order was required to pay an annual tribute of one Maltese Falcon.

In 1798, French forces headed by Napoleon invaded Malta; nevertheless, French rule was unpopular, and Maltese residents rose up in revolt, forcing Malta to accede to join the British Empire in 1814. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.

Neighboring countries

Italy (closest to its southernmost island, Sicily), Tunisia, and Libya, all across the Mediterranean Sea, are the closest countries to Malta.

• Cities of Importance
• Valletta is a city in Malta (capital)
• Medina sMgarr
• Rabat
• Victoria sCottonera

Geography

Malta is a small island republic made up of three main islands and a smattering of smaller ones. Malta’s principal islands are map of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and they are the only inhabited areas of the island. Cominotto, Fungus Rock, Islands of St. Paul, Manoel Island, and Filfla are among the smaller islands. These little islands are very hard to live on, but Manoel Island, which is connected to the main island by a bridge, was formerly a military fort and is now a nature refuge.

Malta’s coastline is dotted with inlets and bays, and while certain waterways arise during wet seasons, the island does not have any permanent rivers or lakes. The sea off the coast is usually clear and blue. Malta’s geography is mostly hilly, with the highest point at Ta’ Dmejrek at 253 metres (830 feet) above sea level.

Points of Interest

Three UNESCO World Heritage  Sites can be found on the map of Malta. The Megalithic Temples, for example, are a collection of five prehistoric stone temples that are thought to be among the world’s oldest free-standing constructions. Valletta, the capital city, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its buildings from the 16th century. St John’s Co-Cathedral and its museum, which houses notable works of art by painters such as Caravaggio, the Palace of the Grand Masters, museums, and forts, as well as dining, shopping, and nightlife options, are all located in the harbour town.