melitos

Melitos, also known as Melita, was an ancient city located on the island of Malta, in the central Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the southern region of the island, it served as a significant port and administrative center during the Roman period. The city’s strategic location made it a vital hub for trade and communication between North Africa and Europe.

The origins of Melitos date back to the Phoenician and Carthaginian periods, though it flourished particularly under Roman rule, beginning in the 1st century BCE. The Romans renamed the city *Melita* (from the Greek *Melite*), which later became the basis for its modern name, Malta. The city was an important military and economic stronghold, contributing to the region’s prosperity.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Melitos was well-fortified, with walls and structures that protected its inhabitants and facilitated trade. The city’s ruins, including parts of its harbor and public buildings, have been partially excavated, offering insights into its past. Notably, the Apostle Paul is said to have visited Melita (modern Malta) during his shipwreck in Acts 28 of the New Testament, though the exact location of his stay remains debated among scholars.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Melitos declined in importance. The island of Malta later became a Byzantine territory before falling under Arab rule in the 9th century. The name Melitos eventually faded from common use, though the broader region retained its historical significance. Today, remnants of the ancient city can still be found near the modern town of Qawra, where ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover more about its past.

Melitos remains a subject of interest for historians and archaeologists, illustrating the island’s rich and layered history as a crossroads of civilizations.