Page 16 - Italian-American Herald - December 2024

16 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | DECEMBER 2024 ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERALD
HISTORY
Malta: From desolation to productivity in early Middle Ages
By Jeanne Cannavo
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, fi rst 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 fl ag 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
fi ef 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 infl uence left
a lasting mark on Maltese history, claiming
Malta from the Arab world and planting it
fi rmly in Western Europe.
Next month: The Arogonese rulers and the
Order of St. John. IAH
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