The tiny islands of Malta, situated in the center of the Mediterranean, have long been shaped by the currents of larger empires. While Malta is often remembered for the Knights of St. John or as a British naval hub, its transformation under Roman rule laid the foundation for its later history. Rome’s conquest and administration turned Malta from a Carthaginian backwater into an integrated part of one of the greatest empires of antiquity.
From Carthage to Rome
Before Rome arrived, Malta had been under Phoenician and then Carthaginian influence for centuries. The Carthaginians valued the islands for their natural harbors and as a stopover point for ships sailing between North Africa, Sicily, and the wider Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence, including Punic tombs, inscriptions, and artifacts, shows that Maltese society in this period was a blend of local traditions and Punic culture.
Rome came into the picture during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE). In 218 BCE, as Rome fought Carthage for dominance, the Roman commander Tiberius Sempronius Longus seized Malta with little resistance. The Carthaginian garrison surrendered, and the islanders welcomed the Romans. This transition reflected a pragmatic choice by the Maltese: Rome was emerging as the new power in the region, and aligning with the victors offered security.
Roman Administration and Integration
After its conquest, Malta was absorbed into the Roman province of Sicily. This meant that the islands were not administered as a separate territory but rather as part of a larger provincial framework. Roman governors stationed in Sicily oversaw Malta, ensuring tax collection, local order, and integration into imperial trade networks.
Despite its small size, Malta’s harbors made it strategically significant. Roman fleets valued the island as a supply station during naval campaigns, and traders used it as a safe anchorage. Over time, Roman administration brought Malta greater stability and prosperity than under its previous overlords.
Urban Development and Architecture
One of the most tangible legacies of Roman Malta was its urban development. The ancient city of Melite, located where Mdina and Rabat now stand, became the administrative and cultural center of the island. Archaeological remains, including parts of Roman villas, mosaics, and baths, point to a society that was gradually Romanized.
Perhaps the most striking evidence is the Domus Romana (Roman Villa) near Mdina. Its mosaics, depicting mythological and geometric designs, rank among the finest in the western Mediterranean. The villa, likely the residence of a wealthy Roman official or noble, reveals both the taste and the prosperity that Roman culture brought to Malta.
The Romans also introduced new building techniques, road systems, and water management structures. Aqueducts and cisterns improved the supply of fresh water, enhancing urban life and agriculture. These infrastructural advances left long-term imprints on Maltese society.
Economy and Daily Life
Under Rome, Malta’s economy developed along two main lines: agriculture and trade. The fertile soil allowed the cultivation of olives, vines, and grains, which were exported to nearby Sicily and beyond. Olive oil and wine became staples of local production. Roman amphorae found on the islands confirm the circulation of Mediterranean trade goods, including imported luxuries.
Malta also gained renown for its textiles. Roman sources mention that Maltese women produced fine cloth, especially a type of textile used for garments. This industry gave the island an additional niche within imperial commerce.
Daily life on Roman Malta would have blended local traditions with Roman customs. Latin gradually supplanted Punic as the language of administration, although bilingualism likely persisted for centuries. Roman religion also took root, with temples and shrines dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, though local and Punic cults probably survived in parallel.
The Apostle Paul and Christian Beginnings
Malta’s Roman chapter is most famously remembered for its connection to Christianity. According to the Acts of the Apostles, around 60 CE, the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on Malta while en route to Rome as a prisoner. He was warmly received by the islanders and reportedly healed the father of Publius, described as the island’s leading official.
This encounter is celebrated in Maltese tradition as the beginning of Christianity on the islands. Though direct archaeological evidence is scarce, the Pauline shipwreck story remains central to Malta’s identity and highlights its role as a crossroads of empire, faith, and culture.
Decline of Roman Power
As the Roman Empire weakened in the West during the fourth and fifth centuries CE, Malta too experienced decline. The island remained part of the empire through the Byzantine period, but it never regained the prominence of earlier centuries. Still, the Roman centuries had left a permanent legacy of urbanization, infrastructure, and cultural integration.
Legacy of Roman Malta
Malta’s Roman era was transformative. From a Punic outpost, it became a Romanized society that blended local traditions with the culture of empire. The Domus Romana, mosaics, inscriptions, and archaeological finds all attest to the island’s prosperity and integration into Rome’s vast network.
Even today, echoes of this period remain visible. The layout of Mdina, the survival of Latin place names, and the enduring story of St. Paul reflect the depth of Roman influence. Malta’s Roman heritage is a reminder that even the smallest territories played roles in the great story of empire.
