Ħaġar Qim
Megalithic temple complex in Malta / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ħaġar Qim (Maltese pronunciation: [ħadʒar ˈʔiːm]; "Standing/Worshipping Stones") is a megalithic temple complex found on the Mediterranean island of Malta, dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BC).[1] The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth,[2] described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces."[3] In 1992 UNESCO recognized Ħaġar Qim and four other Maltese megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites.[4] V. Gordon Childe, Professor of Prehistoric European Archeology and director of the Institute of Archaeology in the University of London from 1946-1957[5] visited Ħaġar Qim. He wrote, "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."[6]
Location | Qrendi, Malta |
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Coordinates | 35°49′40″N 14°26′32″E |
Type | Temple |
History | |
Material | Limestone |
Founded | c. 3700 BC – c. 3200 BC |
Periods | Ġgantija phase |
Site notes | |
Excavation dates | 1839–1954 |
Archaeologists | J. G. Vance Antonio Annetto Caruana Themistocles Zammit Thomas Eric Peet John Davies Evans |
Condition | Well-preserved ruins |
Ownership | Government of Malta |
Management | Heritage Malta |
Public access | Yes |
Website | shows information about Hagar Qim Heritage Malta |
Part of | Megalithic Temples of Malta |
Criteria | Cultural: (iv) |
Reference | 132ter-002 |
Inscription | 1980 (4th Session) |
Extensions | 1992, 2015 |
Area | 0.813 ha (87,500 sq ft) |
Ħaġar Qim's builders used globigerina limestone in the temple's construction.[7] As a result of this, the temple has suffered from severe weathering and surface flaking over the millennia.[7] In 2009 work was completed on a protective tent.[8]