Podcasts · The Story of Malta: The Fortress Island of the Mediterranean — Fexingo History

Malta Under Rome From St Pauls Shipwreck to the Domvs Romana

30 Jul 2026 · 8:07 · S4 E185

Long before the Knights of St. John or the British Empire, Malta was a prized possession of the Roman Republic and Empire. This episode delves into the island's transformation after Rome seized it from Carthage in 218 BC during the Second Punic War. We explore how Malta became a thriving municipium with a Latin-speaking elite, the impact of St. Paul's shipwreck in 60 AD—a pivotal moment that embedded Christianity deep in Maltese identity—and the archaeological treasures that survive, including the exquisite Domvs Romana in Mdina with its Hellenistic mosaics. Lucas and Luna also discuss the Roman villa at Żejtun, the island's role as a grain supplier and naval base, and the gradual shift from Punic to Roman culture. They touch on how the Maltese language retains its Semitic core despite centuries of Latin influence. This episode offers a fresh look at a period often overshadowed by the Knights, revealing the foundations of modern Malta in Roman citizenship, law, and religion. The conversation weaves through history, archaeology, and legend, ending with a reflection on how history layers itself in unexpected ways.

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