Hagar Qim is a megalithic temple complex on the island of Malta. This temple complex is believed to belong to the Neolithic period, that is, 3600 – 3200 BC. Although Hagar Qim is one of the main Neolithic temple complexes in Malta, it should be pointed out that it is not the only temple complex in the area. For example, other temples include Tarxien and Skorba in Malta, and Ggantija and Xewkija on the nearby island of Gozo. Although Hagar Qim was first excavated in 1839, the temple complex itself was never actually completely buried. This is because the temple’s tallest stones remained exposed above ground for millennia, and are even said to have appeared in 18th and 19th century paintings.
The Hagar Qim (‘Worship Stone’) temple complex consists of a central building and the remains of at least two other structures. It has been pointed out that unlike most other Neolithic temple complexes in Malta, the Hagar Qim temple complex consisted of only one, rather than the more common two or three temples. However, its design is similar to other Neolithic temples. This design includes a large front yard and a monumental facade. The Hagar Qim temple complex is made up of a series of C-shaped rooms called apses. These apses are arranged on each side of a central paved space. Walls and panels with square windows cut across as doors were used to cover the roofs. It was noted that this practice was unusual, as the domes of other similar temples were not properly covered.
Walls with square windows are cut out of them. Source: BigStockPhoto
One of the apses appears to have an astronomical function. This apse can be accessed via an internal passage and has an internal enclosure formed by placing low stone slabs. At the back of this dome there is a small elliptical hole. It was observed that during the summer solstice, the rays of the rising sun penetrated through this hole and illuminated one of the low stones. If this interpretation is correct, it could suggest that the Hagar Qim temple complex was used for fertility rituals. This may be supported by the discovery of stone and clay figurines depicting obese figures or femme fatales, who may have been symbols of fertility.
Hagar Qim. Source: BigStockPhoto
Another fascinating aspect of the Hagar Qim temple complex can be seen from the perspective of an archaeological conservationist. Materials used by Neolithic builders to construct temple complexes in Malta could be found locally. In addition to the hard and chalky coral limestone, the softer globigerina limestone is also used. Although the temple has been well preserved for millennia, exposure to the elements is now taking its toll. For example, on the south wall of the temple, made of globigerina limestone, a significant peeling surface can be detected. By comparison, another temple complex, Mnajdra, just 500 meters from Hagar Qim and exposed to similar elements, showed much less damage. This is because the harder Coralline limestone was used to construct it.
Nearby location of Mnajdra. Source: BigStockPhoto
To minimize damage caused to the Hagar Qim temple complex by the elements, a roof was added to the area just a few years ago. Although this modern structure is helpful in reducing erosion due to the temple’s exposure to natural elements, it will certainly have an impact on the aesthetic value of the area and the landscape in general. Perhaps this is one of the conservators’ dilemmas – whether to preserve the site by adding a structure that could affect its aesthetic value or to leave it in a state of disrepair. nature and eventually risk losing it. I think people will choose the obvious option and this is probably the best option that can be done at the present time.
