Skorba

Though lying in ruins, Skorba megalithic temples stand out for their unique discovery history. These megaliths were found and excavated only in the 60s of the last century, much later than other Neolithic landmarks of Malta. Through the use of modern approach and current technology, archaeologists could excavate multiple precious artifacts, which enriched collections of historical and archaeological museums in Malta, while the prehistoric temple complex became one of World Heritage Sites.

The Skorba megaliths were built in the area of a Neolithic village dated back to 5000 BC. The complex includes two temples, one of which (the bigger one) had a triapsidal form specific for Ggantija phase of the Maltese chronology and dates from 3600-3200 BC. The other megalith (the smaller one) features four apses and a central niche and dates from Tarxien phase (3150-2500 BC).Both temples were built of solid limestone uprights, some of them featuring height of about 4 meters. The assumed religious function of the megalithic complex was proven by both its structure and artifacts, found during the excavation: female figurines and goat skulls showed that rituals associated with fertility had been conducted in these sanctuaries. Also, archaeologists discovered tools, pottery, stone artifacts, animal bones, wheat, lentils and barley seeds, allowing reconstructing the lifestyle of that period.

It’s rather funny that first archeological excavations started on the site in the early 1900s, when archeologist Temi Zammit studied Ta' Ħaġrat temples located in the neighborhood. But only in 1960 another archeologist, David Trump drew attention to a nearby stand-alone upright crowning a mound and started excavation resulted in Skorba discovery. In addition to the megaliths, some prehistoric pottery (Gray and Red Skorba phases) and an 11-meter village wall were found, aged about 6-7 thousand years. The human figurines from Skorba are believed to be the oldest prehistoric artifacts discovered in Malta.

At the present time, the Skorba megaliths are available to the public, offering an impressive view of huge stone ruins. Particular attention is drawn to the so-called libation holes which are clearly seen on threshold slab of the west sanctuary and which are rarely found in Maltese megalithic structures. Besides the temples, visitors can observe ancient signs of domestic spaces pertaining to pre-Temple times.