Tarxien phase
The Tarxien phase (3150-2500 BCE)[1] followed the Saflieni phase (3000-2500 BCE)[1] and typifies the last and most advanced period of temple building in prehistoric Malta. The Tarxien phase evolved into the Tarxien Cemetery phase (2500-1500 BCE)[2] and Borġ in-Nadur phase (1400-800 BCE).[2]
[edit] Tarxien Overview
Three main temple structures and the remains of a small fourth were unearthed at the Tarxien complex. All except the last structure to be built, the Central Temple, are sited in a southeast quadrant. With the exception of the Early Temple, which dates back to the older Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BCE),[2] the three principal temples date back to the eponymous Tarxien phase, as does part of the Mnajdra complex,[3] and represent the last of the temple structures to be constructed by prehistoric man in Malta.[4]
The Tarxien temples are noted for fine statuary, friezes, reliefs and a wealth of pottery. Animal and spiral motifs are abundant.[5] The originals of the artifacts have been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Valletta for preservation and safekeeping; modern copies take their place on site.[4]
[edit] Citations
- ^ a b http://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/malta_temples/maltemples_settlement.htm Prehistoric Settlements of Malta
- ^ a b c http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpg/malta/arch.html Archeology and Prehistory
- ^ http://www.heritagemalta.org/mnajdratemples.html Heritage Malta
- ^ a b http://www.planetware.com/paola/tarxien-m-m-tarxien.htm Tarxien, Paola
- ^ http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/malta/tarxien.html Art and Archeology, Malta
