Tas-Silġ Archaeological Complex

Tas-Silġ is the archaeological complex with the longest history of use within the Maltese Islands. The various campaigns of excavations carried here by the Missione Archeologica Italiana a Malta, the University of Malta, and Heritage Malta have uncovered the remains of subsequent temples built on the same spot. Activity on the site started in the prehistoric Tarxien phase (3,150-2,500 BC) when a megalithic temple and associated structures were constructed on the site. Occupation of the site during the prehistoric period also extended to the Bronze Age Borġ in-Nadur phase (1,500-700 BC). The Phoenician – Punic period (c.8th-3rd centuries BC) saw adaptations of the temple to fit newly emerging ritual needs but the sacred character and function of the site was maintained. The small temple of Astarte established here by the Phoenicians was to become renowned across the Mediterranean. The Punico-Hellenistic and Roman periods (c.3rd century BC-c.5th century AD) witnessed not only furthe