The Christianisation of Malta: Catacombs, cult centres and churches in Malta to 1530: Catacombs, cult centres and churches in Malta to 1530

Making extensive use of archaeology as well as the written sources this study provides a new perspective on the history of Christianity in Malta up to the island's takeover by the Hospitallers in 1530. Broadly Mario Bugiar argues that African influences were far more important in the religion of Malta than the written sources would have us believe, and that the tradition of the island as part of latin christendom was largely started by mendicant orders in the 14th century and later. The book contains extensive analysis of late Roman and Byzantine burial sites and is well illustrated. This Study Investigates The Origins And Consolidation Of Latin Christianity And Consequent Way Of Life In The Maltese Islands, Up To Around 1530 Ad. It Is The Outcome Of Several Years Of Research On The Written And Unwritten Sources, The Partial, And At Times Conflicting, Results Of Several Independent Aspects Of Which Have Been Reported And Discussed. The Volume Is, Therefore, An Analysis And Interpretation Of Conclusions And Hypotheses That Have Been Circulating Over The Last Decade.--publisher's Website. The Shipwreck Controversy -- Pauline Legends And Traditions -- The Roman Prelude To Early Christian Malta -- Rock-cut Tombs And Miniature Catacombs -- Tas-silg And San Pawl Milqi -- Byzantine Malta -- The Arab Conquest And The Change To Islam -- The Muslims Of Norman Malta -- The Christianization Of Malta -- The Late Medieval Churches -- The Latinization Of Malta And The Maltese Diocese. Mario Buhagiar. Based On The Author's Doctoral Thesis--university Of London, 1993. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 143-166) And Index. This study investigates the origins and consolidation of Latin Christianity and consequent way of life in the Maltese Islands, up to around 1530 AD. It is the outcome of several years of research on the written and unwritten sources, the partial, and at times conflicting, results of several independent aspects of which have been reported and discussed. The volume is, therefore, an analysis and interpretation of conclusions and hypotheses that have been circulating over the last decade. Chapter 1) The Shipwreck Controversy - Pauline Legends and Traditions; Chapter 2) The Roman Prelude to Early Christian Malta; Chapter 3) Rock-Cut Tombs and Miniature Catacombs; Chapter 4) Tas-Silg and San Pawl Milqi; Chapter 5) Byzantine Malta; Chapter 6) The Arab Conquest and the Change to Islam; Chapter 7) The Muslims of Norman Malta; Chapter 8) The Christianization of Malta; Chapter 9) The Late Medieval Churches; Chapter 10) The Latinization of Malta and the Maltese Diocese. Front cover Title Page Copyright Cautionary Note Abstract Preface Table of Contents FIGURES Chapter One. The Shipwreck Controversy – Pauline Legends And Traditions Chapter Two. The Roman Prelude To Early Christian Malta Chapter Three. Rock-Cut Tombs and Miniature Catacombs Chapter Four. Tas-Silg And San Pawl Milqi Chapter Five. Byzantine Malta: Archaeological and Textual Consideration Chapter Six. The Arab Conquest and the Change to Islam Chapter Seven. The Muslims of Norman Malta Chapter Eight. The Rechristianisation Of Malta: Dejr Establishments And Rock-Cut Churches Chapter Nine. The Late Medieval Churches – Architectural and Artistic Considerations Chapter Ten. The Latinization of Malta and the Maltese Diocese Conclusion Bibliography ABBREVIATIONS Figures INDEX