ancientart:

Ħaġar Qim, a megalithic temple complex located on the Mediterranean island of Malta. These megalithic temples are among the most ancient religious sites known on earth, dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BCE).

The exposed rock on the island was deposited during the Oligocene (33.9-23 million years ago) and Miocene (23-5.3 million years ago) periods of geological time, globigerina limestone being the second oldest rock on the island. Globigerina limestone was used for the construction of Ħaġar Qim, which has caused severe weathering. 

The features of the architecture illustrate its religious use, it provides accommodation for animal sacrifices, ritual oracles and burnt offerings. Though bones of sacrificial animals have been found at the site, no human bones or remains have been discovered. Excavations of the site have uncovered highly decorated pottery, and numerous statuettes of deities. Perhaps one of the most notable find is Venus of Malta, which reflects an incredibly developed aesthetic.

Vere Gordon Childe (Professor of Prehistoric European Archeology at the University of London from 1946-1957) upon visiting Ħaġar Qim recorded:

“I have been visiting the prehistoric ruins all round the Mediterranean, from Mesopotamia to Egypt, Greece and Switzerland, but I have nowhere seen a place as old as this one.”

Photos courtesy & taken by jon1204pdt.