The island of Malta is situated in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago and is the closest to Sicily and Tunisia. The island has a long history and bears the mark of many civilizations: Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Fatimid, Sicilian, Knights of Saint John, French, and British.

The earliest traces of human civilization can be traced to the 6^th millennium BC. The first known inhabitants of the islands were immigrants from Sicily. They grew plants, bred livestock and worshipped fertility gods. Later, during the Bronze Age they were replaced by new immigrants with different burial practices.

In classical times the island was first settled by Greeks and then by Phoenicians. Later it was taken by Carthage and took part in the Punic Wars. The Maltese offered support to the Romans and received great benefits after their victory. The island turned into a prosperous Roman territory that grew olives, carobs and made textiles. After the division of the Roman Empire the island fell under the influence of the Byzantine Empire.

The Medieval history of the island is closely connected with the history of Sicily. Malta was conquered together with the bigger island form the Arabs and then the Fatimids. Later, the Normans regained the territories supported by the Christian Maltese population. Consequently, the island changed hands a few times to Sicilian, Spanish, Italian and even German hands. During this time Catholicism was established as the national religion.

In the 16^th century Malta became a dominium of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (The Knights of Malta). Under their rule the island became famous by withstanding the siege of the Ottoman Empire- then the most significant power in the region.

In the end of the 18^th century the island was conquered by the Napoleon on his way to Egypt. His rule was very unpopular with the population. It was overthrown with the help of the British and the Italian kingdoms. Then, a delegation of Maltese leaders offered the British crown to become their Dominion.

Malta Remained part of the British Empire till 1964 when they received their independence. In 1974 the Republic of Malta was proclaimed. In 2004 the state became part of the European Union.

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