Prehistoric
Cultures of Malta
Even though this miniature island has made various other significant
contributions to world heritage, there is no doubt that nothing rivals its
megalithic temples. Built in the period 3600 - 2500 B.C. by a small community
enjoying an extraordinary cultural efflorescence in almost complete isolation,
these buildings constitute architectural feats of the highest order. They show
an internal evolution in form (from the simple to the more complex,) size of
stone blocks used (from small to gigantic,) and in the artistic furnishings with
increasingly greater refinement and sophistication.
SPECIAL NOTE: After 10 years of conservation initiatives in cooperation with
UNESCO, the underground Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum reopened to the public in late
2000. Entrance to this eighth world wonder of the Maltese Temple Period is
restricted and must be pre-arranged. In the absence of unforseeable
circumstances, your OTSF coordinator will arrange an opportunity for Elderhostel
participants to visit this prehistoric site, guided by a museum curator.
Caravaggio
in Malta
One of the most important and influential painters of the period, Michaelangelo
Merisi de Caravaggio led a colorful life that included both masterpieces and
captivity in Malta. His story is adventure and the work he left in
Malta includes two priceless treasures painted during his time as a
Knight of the Order.
The Hospitaller Order of St. John and the Siege of 1565
The advent of the Order in Malta led to a radical transformation in the role of
the island from an ill-defended barren island to the impregnable headquarters of
the crusading order. Their initial establishment was in the port of Birgu,
headquarters of the Siege of 1565, after which the city was named Vittoriosa
(“the victorious.”)
The
Maltese Economy: Its Strengths and Vulnerability
The interaction of geographical and economic conditions, production, spatial
distribution and wealth consumption of Malta as a small state in the central
Mediterranean, will be viewed particularly in relation to its strengths and
vulnerability as an island. |
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The Three Great Monotheistic
Religions of the Mediterranean
An overview of the socio-religious context of the Middle East and
Mediterranean region with regard to the great faiths of the people of
the book: Judaism, Christianity, Islam.
Malta
Under the British
Malta under the British was a different story than that of the brief French
colonization which immediately preceded. This lecture puts the colonization of
Malta into perspective with that of other colonies, from the 1800’s through to
1960’s.
Mediterranean
Music
This lecture will discuss the similarities and differences of popular music on
both the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean, as well as the
ethnic music of various cultures, with reference to the music of Malta.
Cottonera
- A Regional Experience
A walking lecture through the Inquisitor’s Palace, with discussion on the
lifestyles and social values of ordinary urban and peasant folk at the time of
the Knights in Malta, and an intimate portrait of the politics of a working
man’s community.
Malta's
Strategic Role in World War II
Britain's concept of Malta as a strategic fortress colony led to a situation
where the axis forces were particularly concerned to conquer the island,
especially as it served as a base for the conquest of North Africa.
The
Natural Maltese Environment
An introduction to the natural resources of Malta with historical evaluation
providing the listener with an understanding of their diversity and beauty, as
well as problematic (environmental) issues relating to Malta and Gozo.
The
Maltese Language
A brief introduction to the Semitic roots of the Maltese language, covering its
development in a social and political context to its contemporary usage.
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