Malta's Prehistoric Temples Older Than Stonehenge and Pyramids
Malta's prehistoric temples, Ħaġar Qim and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, built between 4000 and 3600 BCE using massive limestone blocks and rock-carved chambers, all without metal tools or the wheel. This video walks through the history and construction of two of Malta's most significant megalithic sites, then introduces the Holland America shore excursion that lets cruise travelers visit them in person alongside the National Museum of Archaeology. It's built for history enthusiasts and cruise passengers planning a Mediterranean stop in Malta who want to know what these ancient sites are and how to see them. In this video: Malta is home to megalithic temples that predate both Stonehenge and the pyramids Ħaġar Qim was built as a monumental stone sanctuary around 3600 BCE Builders at Ħaġar Qim arranged massive limestone blocks to align with the movement of the sun and stars The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum dates back to 4000 BCE and was carved directly into rock without metal tools or the wheel The Hypogeum contains multi-level burial chambers and ritual spaces that record prehistoric beliefs Holland America offers an 'Ultimate Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Ħaġar Qim, and the National Museum' shore excursion curated with The History Channel™. Disclaimer: Shore excursions and programming are not sponsored or administered by The HISTORY Channel™ and are offered and administered exclusively by Holland America.