Malta: From desolation to productivity in early Middle Ages

In the years just before the era known as the Middle Ages, Malta was involved in the Byzantine-Arab Wars from the 7th to 11th centuries. The conquest of Malta is closely linked with that of Sicily due to admiral Euphemius’ betrayal of his fellow Byzantines with his request for the Aghlabid dynasty to invade the area.

The Arab chronicler and geographer Al-Himyari recounts that in 870 A.D., following a violent struggle against the occupying Byzantines, the Arab invaders, first led by Halaf Al-Hadim, and later by Sawada Ibn Muhammed, looted and pillaged the island, destroying the most important buildings, and leaving it practically uninhabited until it was recolonized by the Arabs from Sicily circa 1048 A.D.

Arabs introduced new irrigation systems to Malta producing fruits and cotton, and brought their Siculo-Arabic language to the native populace. It would eventually evolve into the Maltese language still in use today.

The native Christians were allowed freedom of religion but had to pay jizya, a tax for non-Muslims. However, they were exempt from the Zakaat tax that Muslims had to pay. In 1091, after conquering Sicily, Roger I of Normandy, sailed to the island in order to avoid an attack from North Africa and to conquer Malta. His ship reached the island and landed at Migra l-Ferha. The few defenders the Normans encountered retreated, and the following day Roger marched to the capital Mdina.

Roger I of Sicily was welcomed with joy by Christians living in Malta when he and his troops landed. Terms were discussed with the local Qàdi or Arab governor. It was agreed that the islands would become part of Roger’s territories but that the Qàdi should continue to administer the islands. After just a few days on the island he and his troops returned to Sicily but the moors remained until around 1123.

For a time, Malta became part of the kingdom of Sicily. However, the Sicilian kings took little interest in Malta and the Maltese were largely left to run their own affairs. In later centuries, legends arose that the Count gave the Maltese their red and white flag by cutting a part of his banner.

During the following four centuries, Malta’s fate became linked to the policies and economic fortunes of Sicily. Catholicism was reinstated as the state religion with Malta under the See of Palermo and some Norman architecture sprung up around Malta, especially in its ancient capital Mdina. Tancred of Sicily, the last Norman monarch, made Malta a feudal lordship or fief within the kingdom. The islands were highly prized due to their strategic importance and it was during this time that the men of Malta were militarized to fend off invasions.

By the end of the 12th Century the Norman reign in Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta had crumbled but their influence left a lasting mark on Maltese history, claiming Malta from the Arab world and planting it firmly in Western Europe.

Next month: The Arogonese rulers and the Order of St. John.