In the Shadow of Megaliths: the forgotten tools and implements from Malta's Neolithic Temples

This thesis presents a study of the Neolithic assemblage of tools and implements from the megalithic temple complex of Tarxien, Malta. This complex was built and used by a Neolithic society between 3600-2400 BC. The Maltese archipelago boasts over 30 similar megalithic complexes, spread across the islands. For over a century, these megalith complexes have been intensively studied, but while there is a general consensus that these so-called temples held ritual or religious functions, many contradicting hypotheses about the origin of the complexes and their societal significance have been formulated by various scholars. These theories have been discussed to create a referential framework for this thesis and to emphasise how little attention has been paid to Neolithic tools and implements in earlier studies. In order to make a contribution to this debate, this study concentrated on this neglected group of artefacts: the Neolithic tools and implements from Tarxien. By means of a...Show moreThis thesis presents a study of the Neolithic assemblage of tools and implements from the megalithic temple complex of Tarxien, Malta. This complex was built and used by a Neolithic society between 3600-2400 BC. The Maltese archipelago boasts over 30 similar megalithic complexes, spread across the islands. For over a century, these megalith complexes have been intensively studied, but while there is a general consensus that these so-called temples held ritual or religious functions, many contradicting hypotheses about the origin of the complexes and their societal significance have been formulated by various scholars. These theories have been discussed to create a referential framework for this thesis and to emphasise how little attention has been paid to Neolithic tools and implements in earlier studies. In order to make a contribution to this debate, this study concentrated on this neglected group of artefacts: the Neolithic tools and implements from Tarxien. By means of a systematic analysis of these tools and implements this thesis was able to identify a number of activity patterns that might have played a role inside Tarxien. Based on the results achieved in the process of this thesis, it can be claimed that the temples did not only fulfill ritual and/or religious purposes, but a number of other activities can be associated with the Temple complex. Various activities, such as preparing food and the production of materials and other goods have been present at the site and it seems very likely that the complex was inhabited by a (small) group of people. Furthermore, based on the archaeological evidence examined by this study, it seems possible that the complex held a central function concerning the storage and (re)distribution of food (and/or other goods).Show less

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In the Shadow of Megaliths: the forgotten tools and implements from Malta's Neolithic Temples