Malta: World Heritage Ancient History
THE tiny island of Malta is tantalisingly placed amid the dense
archaeological wonders of the eastern Mediterranean. Surrounded by
the rich and complex Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Phoenician and Arabian
histories, Malta maintains a set of impossibly ancient ruins that
appear not to relate directly to any of the encompassing cultures.
Among the most fascinating of these is the Hypogeum in Paola.
Inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1980, the Malta
National Museum of Archaeology describes the site, albeit dryly, thus:
“The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a unique structural masterpiece carved
in the living rock. The monument seems to have served primarily as a
cemetery over a period spanning several generations. The origins of
the monument are unclear, but pottery fragments dating to the
Zebbug phase suggest that the site may have become a cemetery by
around 4000 BC. The Hypogeum remained in use till about 2500 BC.”
The Hypogeum is but a gateway to many more sites on this
historically rich island. Don’t go past the Knights Fortifications around
the harbours, the catacomb complexes, Mdina (Citta Vecchia), Qawra/
Dwejra or the Victoria Lines Fortifications. Furthermore, Malta can
legitimately claim to possess the planet’s oldest still-standing buildings.
Local resident, Paul Zammit, compares the ruins to Stonehenge,
saying “the megalithic temples situated on the Maltese archipelago
are older, much more grandiose, more instructive (less fantasy is
involved in their interpretation) and a ‘must-see-to-believe’ relics than
the mere stonehenge in many people’s opinion apart from mine!”
Malta is well serviced by the major cruise lines. See Costa Cruises,
MSC Cruises, Cunard and P&O.
Malta Tourism: http://www.new.visitmalta.com/the place.
Easter Island: The Mystery of the Moai
MANY people were introduced to the enigmatic stone Moai of Easter
Island (Rapa Nui) via the outrageous extraterrestrial claims made by
Erich von Daniken in his controversial book and documentary “Chariots
of the Gods” where he suggested the great idols were constructed by
aliens.
That theory is all but debunked, but as the truth behind the statues
was revealed, the real mystery was just as engaging. How could an
entire population, once thriving and healthy, destroy themselves so
comprehensively? How did such a remote and under-resourced
community construct these enormous carvings and then transport
them overland to all corners of the island?
To visit Easter Island is to view not only an enduring archaeological
mystery but an anthropological one as well. The famous 20th century
explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, proposed that the population arrived from
South America and even floated the raft, Kon-Tiki, there in an attempt
to prove his theories. But, thanks to modern DNA, the few remaining
indigenous Rapa Nui are undoubtedly Polynesian.
With just basic infrastructure and a relaxed, even lazy lifestyle, Easter
Island is a fascinating landing. Minibus tours, walking, horse-riding or
4WD hire is the best way to explore. Be sure to visit the excellent little
museum and as many Moai sites as possible in the time your cruise
lines permits.
Easter Island’s incredible remoteness makes a shipboard visit there
unusual and is most often part of a round-the-world itinerary by more
adventurous cruise lines. Coming up in 2013 the larger lines Princess,
HAL, Oceania and P&O Int’l, while Cunard, Fred.Olsen and Crystal are
looking at 2014 – see http://www.chile.travel.
