From pre-historic cultural sites to artefacts, the Maltese islands are filled with historic intrigue and fascinating journeys into the past. The Maltese islands are among the small European islands that have preserved their history, notably through their numerous museums. A visit to Gozo's Il-Ħaġar Museum and Cultural Centre, situated in St George's Square Victoria, confirms the cultural richness of Gozo and enhances one's experience of the island.
The museum is organised into Level 1, Ground Floor, Level 2 and Level 3, with Level 4 serving as the roof terrace and bar.
Among the highlights of this museum, during the Christmas season, an exhibition, coordinated by Valerio Ballotta of GBK (Malta) Ltd, showcases works depicting the Annunciation created by European artists spanning the late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Another attraction is the mechanical nativity crib. This is the work of Frank Mizzi, now in his 80s, who dedicated over 40 years to its construction. The crib is a traditional Maltese Christimas Crib with a Mediterranean setting, with references to Provence in France and Naples in Italy. It has been recently reconstructed at Il-Ħaġar musuem and is found in the basement area. It will be permanently displayed for the enjoyment and appreciation of the museum's visitors.
The following is a timeline history from a Gozitan perspective from pre-history to the French occupation of the Maltese Islands and is sourced from the blocks of stone, stacked unevenly upon each other at Il-Ħaġar museum that speak of the geology of the island from its Ġgantija civilisation until the turbulent months of the French occupation.
Pre-history and classical Malta
3600BC - Ġgantija
During this new Stone Age period, Megalithic temples are constructed and the temple complex of Ġgantija is built. It complements the underground burial chamber (hypogeum) at nearby Xagħra. The figurines used in the ritual by the people of Ġgantija appear to celebrate or perhaps even worship fertility. This is not uncommon for people of this period around the world. The pyramids of Egypt are yet to be build, making Ġgantija, the oldest freestanding structure in the world.
2500BC - Bronze Age
A new culture arrives on the island that leaves very little trace; the only evidence that will last are the Dolmens (above-ground burial chambers), the so-called Cart Ruts, early defences and signs that cremation of the dead is common.
218BC - Romans
During the second Punic War between Carthage and Rome, Gozo falls to the Romans. For ordinary Romans, religion is a part of daily life, dependent on knowledge and correct religious practice, each home having a household shrine.
The Roman calendar is structured around religious observances. Prayers, vows, oaths and sacrifices are all part of daily life. The Romans honour a great number of deities, such as Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Pluto, Venus, Mercury and Saturn.
Classical and medieval Malta
870AD - Arab Rule
The Arabs invaded Malta, driving out the Byzantines.
1091AD - Normans
A precursor to The First Crusade, Count Roger of Normandy ends the Arab rule in 1091, reconnecting Malta and Gozo to Europe.
Regaining their freedom of worship, the islanders slowly shift back to Christianity. Malta and Gozo are part of the Kingdom of Sicily and between 1096 and 1099, an important strategic outpost for the military expeditions to the Holy Land in many crusades that follow.
1194AD - House of Hohenstaufen
Between 1194 and 1530, the Maltese Islands are part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The islands are sold and resold to various feudal lords and barons. Malta and Gozo suffer the indignity of being handed from one noble to another as a prize for services rendered to the King.
A dynasty of German monarchs, the House of Hohenstaufen produced three members to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. In 1194, the House is granted the Kingdom of Sicily, and therefore rules Malta and Gozo.
1266AD - House of Angevins
During a power struggle involving Germany, the Pope, France and England, the Hohenstaufen House is toppled, and the French Angevin, Charles of Anjou, takes control of the Kingdom of Sicily. The crusades continue and a castle is constructed in the north of Rabat in Gozo.
1283AD - House of Aragon
During an uprising against the French, known as the Sicilian Vespers, the Spanish House of Aragon takes advantage, and installs Peter of Aragon as ruler of Sicily and Malta. The islanders petition the crown for direct rule by the King. In 1428, King Alfonso ratifies the reforms in a Royal Charter.
1530AD - Knights of St John
The Order of the Knights Hospitalier of St John was originally established as defenders of the Holy Land in 1090.
The Order was stationed in Rhodes since 1309, but in 1522 they were expelled by the Ottomans. In need of a new home, they were now granted Malta, Gozo and Tripoli by Emperor Charles V from where they could try to re-establish their role as protectors of the Holy Land.
1551AD - Slavery
Incursions by Ottoman fleets are common during this time. The pirates, Turkish corsairs Turgut Reis and Sinan Pasha, bombarded Gozo until the citadel's inhabitants surrendered - 6,000 Gozitans are taken into slavery, leaving only 40 Christians on the island.
Families from Malta were encouraged to repopulate the island, and the defenses are improved by the Order. Years later, the Great Siege of Malta takes place, but it is successfully repelled by the Knights and the Maltese population.
1798AD - French occupation
A French army under Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the Maltese Islands on its way to Egypt. The Knights of St John were expelled after 268 years in Malta, and the Inquisition was abolished.
The Maltese revolted against the French after they confiscated property belonging to the Maltese Church. The British take the islands under their protecion in the name of the King of Two Sicilies. In September 1800, the French surrender.
Archpriest Saverio Cassar
Interestingly, Gozo was liberated before Malta from the French garrison. Saverio Cassar was a Gozitan archpriest and patriot who played a pivotal role in the liberation of Gozo from French occupation. Cassar was Governor-general of an independent Gozo from 1798 to 1801.
On the night of 24 October 1798, under the cover of darkness, he boarded Admiral Nelson's English vessel, Vanguard, anchored off Mġarr, using a small boat. There, he sought their support to liberate Gozo and discussed the terms of the French capitulation. Curiously enough, around the same period the Irish hero Wolfe Tone was seeking to overthrow the English rule in Ireland and led a French military force to Ireland during the insurrection of 1798, but failed in his attempts.