Roman Malta 1 - Melite

The ancient city of MELITE was situated on a plateau in the centre of the island of Malta. The location has been inhabited since prehistory and was settled extensively by the Phoenicians from 800 BC. Melite developed into the island's main population concentration during Roman times. Split into two during the Arab occupation (870-1091AD) Rabat and Mdina survive and flourish to this day. The fortified city of Mdina, 'The Silent City', was the country's capital until the mid 16th century when the Knights of Malta moved the centre of power to the Grand Harbour area.