The Ggantija Temples

So, where are we now, then?
Let's start with Ggantija.

The Ggantija Temples are two prehistoric temples on Gozo, the second-largest island in Malta. One of them is the oldest stone structure in the world (5,800 years old - built between 3600 and 3000 BC), predating Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids by hundreds of years.

Maybe you're wondering how was this sacral building created?

There is an ancient legend telling that the temple walls were built in one day and one night by a female giant named Sunsuna, who did it while nursing a baby. Ggantija is Maltese  "giant's grotto." and means obviously giantess.

Surprised?

By contrast, archaeologists show their version of events, where the Ggantija temples were dedicated to the Great Earth Mother, a goddess of fertility.Evidence indicates there was an oracle here, as at the much-later Temple of Apollo at Delphi.In addition to being the oldest, the Gjantija temples are the most complete shrine complexes on Malta.  

It is hard to imagine how these ancient peoples were able to hoist stones weighing several tons into place, isn't it?

How do you think why builders have been so successful?
Let us explain.

The slabs may have been rolled into place on "roller stones" about the size of cannon balls, which have been found on the site.

The Ggjantija complex is characterized by round, curved architecture, reflecting a powerful, full-figured Mother Goddess( seen above). The two shrines themselves suggest the body of the Earth Mother, with broad hips and full breasts. The ritual rooms are round, and it is thought that the priestess entered symbolically into her Mother's womb and returned reborn.(CLICK TO SEE MORE) The temples were roofed with great domes, painted in red on the inside. Unfortunately, nowadays there are only ruins left.

The altars in the larger temple are trilithons; that is, made of three stones to form a vertical surface. There is evidence of animal sacrifice on these altars, most of which have been reconstructed. Another interesting feature is the evidence of a sacred fire - a stone hearth, some paving stones of which have been reddened by fire, can be seen on the floor of the inner right-hand niche of the larger temple.

The short part of the story being told by quide is here

What you probably didn't know is that  few artifacts have been found at the place. Now they are at the exhibition in the national museum. They include a small clay figure of a full-figured sleeping goddess( the one that you can see above) that was found in an egg-shaped chamber.

Some architectural decoration can still be seen in its original position in the temple, including three stone blocks with spiral carvings and several stones with decorative pitting

Alright, that's good.
I'm preety sure that's enough for today's evening :)

Good night !
I hope you will see beautiful Malta in your dreams! ;)