Mysteries of Malta’s Megalithic Temples: Tales of Sansuna and the Giants

In the heart of the Mediterranean lies Malta, a small island with a rich history shrouded in mystery. Among its most enigmatic treasures are the megalithic temples, structures so ancient and massive that they defy easy explanation. The origins of these temples have been a topic of intrigue and speculation for centuries. Without any written records to shed light on their creators, the temples stand as silent witnesses to a past that remains largely unknown.

Local Maltese traditions, however, offer a fascinating perspective. These legends speak of a race of giant beings, not of this Earth, who were responsible for the construction of these colossal structures. The narrative centers around a figure named Sansuna, a giantess revered almost as a goddess, who descended from the stars. According to lore, Sansuna’s arrival on Earth was marked by a meteorite, which transformed into her imposing form. The Maltese, initially fearful, watched as she began the monumental task of building the temples, moving and assembling stones far beyond the capabilities of ordinary humans.

One such temple, Ggantija, is particularly linked with Sansuna. It is said that she single-handedly erected this temple, which to this day stands as a testament to its name, meaning “the giant goddess.” These stories are not mere fables to be dismissed; they are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Malta, and some, like Gian Francesco Abela, a 17th-century Maltese nobleman, believed in their veracity. Abela claimed to have found physical evidence supporting these legends, including large bones and teeth scattered across the island.

The temples themselves, such as the twin structures of Ggantija, are marvels of ancient engineering. Designed with large apses that resemble a cloverleaf, these temples once housed altars and were possibly covered by wooden roofs. The size of the stone blocks used in their construction is staggering, with some standing 20 feet tall and weighing over 50 tons. This architectural prowess has led to speculation about lost masonry knowledge and the skills of the builders. Without any form of writing or clear records, the builders of these temples achieved feats that challenge our understanding of ancient civilizations.

The idea of giants as builders is not unique to Malta. Throughout the Mediterranean, there are tales and architectural styles that hint at the involvement of giants. In Mycenaean Greece, for example, the Lion’s Gate is built with what is known as Cyclopean masonry, named so because the Greeks believed that only a giant, like a Cyclops, could have moved such enormous stones. This style is reminiscent of the masonry found in Maltese temples.

These enduring stories and architectural wonders lead us to ponder: Could these tales of giants be rooted in some forgotten reality? While definitive evidence remains elusive, the possibility adds an intriguing layer to our understanding of human history and the ancient world. The Maltese megalithic temples, with their colossal structures and mysterious origins, continue to captivate and puzzle researchers and visitors alike, standing as enduring symbols of a past that intertwines legend with the sands of time.