circa 125,000 BC	What today are known as the Maltese Islands must have once been joined to Sicily, owing to the Earth's waters having receeded towards the 'Ice Caps' during the 'Ice Ages'. At "Ghar Dalam" (aaR dull-um), just outside Birzebbuġa, animal remains were found evidencing that Malta (then probably only a mountain top) was either home or migration path of various wild animals, predecessors to species found on the present-day African savannah and the European mainland. After the last Ice Age, waters levels rose in the Mediterranean basin, thereby drowning the land bridge which existed between Malta and Sicily, our closest neighbour (northwards). This isolated the remaining animals, which then would face a different fate from that of the rest of their species. Our beasts were stunted (evolved into smaller-sized species).
circa 18000 BC	Also at "Ghar Dalam", but at a higher level known as the 'Cervus' (or Deer) level, hence within a more recent sediment, bones of various European wild animals were found. Some of these survived till the presence of man.
circa 5000 BC	Artifacts found at "Ghar Dalam" (aaR dull-um), e.g. pottery, tools, suggest similarities between the cultures of Malta and that found in Sicily, Italy's largest island and our closest neighbour.
4100 BC	Copper Age Tombs were dug in the rocks at "Ta' Trapna" (taa traap-naa). Decorated pottery was elevated from here.
4500 - 3000 BC	Early Neolithic and Copper Age Temples were constructed at "Mġarr" (im-jaR) and "Żebbug" (Zheb-booj), in Malta, and at Xagħra (shah-raah), in Gozo. The "Ġgantija" (j'gun-tea-ah) of Gozo is amongst our most impressive sites. These temples were constructed in the typical trefoil style, i.e. similar to a three-foiled or three-sectioned leaf. Clay decorations and figurines (mostly female 'deities') were found here.
from 3000 BC	Amongst Malta's most magnificent excavations are the "Ħaġar Qim" (Ha-jar 'eeM) and "Mnajdra" (im-nigh-dRaah) temples. Both are 'basically' trefoil and located within the limits of Qrendi, practically at the edge of the cliffs, embracing the setting sun. The "Hypogeum" is an underground place of worship and/or burial place, which has undergone extensive restoration (during 1999-2000). Situated at Hal Saflieni, Paola, this jewel of a monument is a major patrimony for Malta and the world. The "Tarxien" (tar-she'n) trefoil temples are situated within walking distance from the Hypogeum. Ancient articles were also lifted from this site. The excavation of these temple sites is a credit to one of Malta's greatest sons, Sir Temi Zammit
3500 - 1500 BC	… Elsewhere in the World -- what was happening?
1500 BC	Bronze Age Fortifications -- "Borg in-Nadur" (boR-j in-nahD-oo'r) situated within the limits of Birzebbuga is a form of fortified village. From here decorative pottery was elevated.
1400 - 1000 BC	… Elsewhere in the World -- what was happening?
circa 850-700 BC	Phoenician settlement in Malta is thought to have taken place during this era. The Semitic origin of the Maltese language was often attributed to this period, though studies show that a later event, namely the Arab conquest, was probably the true seeds for our language. These commercial settlers left us pottery, coins and inscriptions, as well as tombs cut in the rocks,
750 - 260 BC	… Elsewhere in the World -- what was happening?
circa 264 BC	Carthage engaged in her 1st Punic War with Rome over the island of Sicily. This led to the occupation of Malta by the Carthaginians.
circa 218 BC	During the 2nd Punic War (said to have started in 216 BC), Rome under the military leadership of Titus Sempronius Longus,captured Malta from the Carthaginians.