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| Hagar Qim,
discovered under rubble in 1839, dates from around 2400 -
2000 B.C. The largest megalith at Hagar Qim is some seven
metres high and weights around 20 tons. Much of interest has
been unearthed at Hagar Qim, notably a decorated pillar
altar, two table-altars and some of the `fat lady' statues
on display in the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta.
The site itself has connotations with a kind of fertility
cult. Another aspect of Hagar Qim is the small, three-apse
structure near the temple - this may have been the quarters
of the temple's priest. Other temple ruins stand a few
metres away from the main temple. The Mnajdra Temple group
stands isolated, about 600 metres further down cliff top.
Mnajdra is made up of two sizeable temples and is thought to
date from around 3400B.C. The temple construction shows the
great skill of its builders. The concave, corbelled form of
the walls indicates some sort of domed structure as roof.
The third temple at Mnajdra is perhaps the finest surviving
temple in Malta. The masonry shows intricate knowledge of
building techniques and excellent workmanship. The spiral
carvings and decorated, pitted slabs give an exceptional
aspect to this remarkable site. The ruins of Mnajdra yielded
valuable relics - stone and clay statuettes, shell and stone
ornaments, flint tools and decorated earthenware. The lack
of any metal objects here and at other similar temples is
evidence of its Neolithic origin. |
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