Malta
Tiny Mediterranean nation
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily.
The archipelago includes the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Strategically positioned between Europe and North Africa, Malta has been ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St.
John, and the British before gaining independence in 1964.
We spent a week exploring Malta's ancient temples and fortified cities.
State without monarchy
- EUEuropean political-economic bloc
- EurozoneSingle-currency economic area
- SchengenBorder-free European area
- CommonwealthAssociation of sovereign states
bilingualism · citizenship · parliament · president · neutrality · embassy · passport · population
Carbonate sedimentary rock
- cliffsSteep natural rock walls
- harboursSheltered anchorages for ships
- covesSheltered coastal indentations
- Blue LagoonBright turquoise body of water
Mediterranean · archipelago · fossils · geology · terraced fields · caves · karst · sandy beaches
Ancient Levantine maritime civilization
- CarthaginiansAncient Tunisian civilization's people
- RomansAncient Italy's imperial people
- ArabsSemitic ethnic group
- NormansViking-descended medieval conquerors
Knights Hospitaller · British rule · World War II · Neolithic · colonization · conquest · occupation · liberation
Italian cultural celebration
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- village feastRural community celebration meal
- CarnivalPre-fasting festival season
- fishing boatsVessels for catching seafood
balconies · Baroque · rabbit stew · crafts · lace · filigree · Catholic traditions · processions
Fortified defensive positions
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- rampartsProtective fortress walls
- watchtowersTall posts for surveillance
- defensive wallsProtective barriers around settlements
siege warfare · battlements · garrison · artillery · limestone walls
Highest ceremonial rank holder
- crusadesAggressive advocacy campaigns
- galleysOar-powered ancient warships
- fortificationsDefensive barriers against attack
- CaravaggioRenaissance-era Italian painter
infirmary · naval warfare · Rhodes · chivalry · grandmaster · heraldry · sovereignty
- dense populationMany inhabitants per area
- strategic locationPosition offering tactical advantage
- island stateCountry comprising only islands
- EU memberCountry in the bloc
Republic
State without monarchy
- EUEuropean political-economic bloc
- EurozoneSingle-currency economic area
- SchengenBorder-free European area
Commonwealth · bilingualism · citizenship · parliament · president · neutrality · embassy · passport · population · tourism
limestone
Carbonate sedimentary rock
- cliffsSteep natural rock walls
- harboursSheltered anchorages for ships
- covesSheltered coastal indentations
Blue Lagoon · Mediterranean · archipelago · fossils · geology · terraced fields · caves · karst · sandy beaches · rocky coastline
Phoenicians
Ancient Levantine maritime civilization
- CarthaginiansAncient Tunisian civilization's people
- RomansAncient Italy's imperial people
- ArabsSemitic ethnic group
Normans · Knights Hospitaller · British rule · World War II · Neolithic · colonization · conquest · occupation · liberation · strategic importance
festa
Italian cultural celebration
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- village feastRural community celebration meal
- CarnivalPre-fasting festival season
fishing boats · balconies · Baroque · rabbit stew · crafts · lace · filigree · Catholic traditions · processions
bastions
Fortified defensive positions
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- rampartsProtective fortress walls
- watchtowersTall posts for surveillance
defensive walls · siege warfare · battlements · garrison · artillery · limestone walls
Grand Master
Highest ceremonial rank holder
- crusadesAggressive advocacy campaigns
- galleysOar-powered ancient warships
- fortificationsDefensive barriers against attack
Caravaggio · infirmary · naval warfare · Rhodes · chivalry · grandmaster · heraldry · sovereignty
small nation
- dense populationMany inhabitants per area
- strategic locationPosition offering tactical advantage
- island stateCountry comprising only islands
- islandsisland, isle, isles, islet, islets
- European IslandsSicily, Crete, Cyprus, Corsica, Sardinia
- European PlacesFrance, Germany, Spain, Italy, London
- Historic IslandsAlcatraz, Ellis Island, Elba, Devil's Island, Robben Island
- Mediterranean Coastbeach, cliff, harbor, port, cove
- Small CountriesVatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra
MaltaRussia
Eurasian federation, largest country
China · Canada · Australia · Brazil · United States
- The Maltese Falcon
- Maltese FalconNoir about coveted statuette
- Maltese crossCross with arrowhead arms
- Maltese crossesCross with V-shaped arms
- Knights of MaltaSovereign Catholic chivalric organization