Saflieni phase
Encyclopedia
The Saflieni phase of Malta
's prehistory was named after the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni. The hypogeum and part of the Ta' Ħaġrat temple complex both date from this period.
This phase evolved from the Ġgantija phase
(3600–3200 BC), and led to the Tarxien phase
(3150-2500 BC).
The Hypogeum in Paola
, Malta
, is a subterranean structure thought to have originally been a sanctuary. It became a necropolis
in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple
in the world and was recognized as a World Heritage Site
by UNESCO
in 1980.
Amongst various features of importance, a petrosomatoglyph
of a human hand and an iconic statuette called the Sleeping Lady have been discovered in the hypogeum.
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
's prehistory was named after the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni. The hypogeum and part of the Ta' Ħaġrat temple complex both date from this period.
This phase evolved from the Ġgantija phase
Ggantija phase
The Ġgantija phase owes its name to the Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra, Gozo. The Ġgantija phase is directly preceded by the Mġarr phase , and is characterized by a change in the way the prehistoric inhabitants of Malta lived...
(3600–3200 BC), and led to the Tarxien phase
Tarxien phase
The Tarxien phase followed the Saflieni phase and typifies the last and most advanced period of temple building in prehistoric Malta...
(3150-2500 BC).
Ħal Saflieni overview
Paola, Malta
Paola, , is a town in the Grand Harbour area of Malta, with a population of 8,856 people . It is named after its founder, the Grandmaster Antoine de Paule, but is commonly known as Raħal Ġdid, which means new town in Maltese.Paola is renowned for its shopping centres, Good Friday procession, its...
, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, is a subterranean structure thought to have originally been a sanctuary. It became a necropolis
Necropolis
A necropolis is a large cemetery or burial ground, usually including structural tombs. The word comes from the Greek νεκρόπολις - nekropolis, literally meaning "city of the dead"...
in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple
Temple
A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...
in the world and was recognized as a World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
by UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
in 1980.
Amongst various features of importance, a petrosomatoglyph
Petrosomatoglyph
A petrosomatoglyph is an image of parts of a human or animal body incised in rock. Many were created by Celtic peoples, such as the Picts, Scots, Irish, Cornish, Cumbrians, Bretons and Welsh. These representations date from the Early Middle Ages; others of uncertain purpose date back to megalithic...
of a human hand and an iconic statuette called the Sleeping Lady have been discovered in the hypogeum.