Though small in size, Malta held great importance in the ancient world. Malta was part of the Province of Sicily during Roman rule, linking it directly to the political and administrative structure of the Western Roman Empire. Its location in the central Mediterranean gave it a strategic role in trade, defense, and communication between Rome and its provinces.
Malta was part of the Province of Sicily
From Punic to Roman Hands
Before the Romans arrived, Malta had been under Carthaginian influence. However, during the Second Punic War, in 218 BC, Roman forces captured the islands from Carthage. From that point onward, Malta and Gozo were absorbed into the Roman province of Sicily. Rather than ruling it separately, Rome managed Malta as part of this larger regional unit.
Roman Integration and Daily Life
Under Roman administration, Malta saw several important changes. The islands adopted Roman law, coinage, language, and infrastructure. Latin inscriptions, Roman villas, and public buildings reveal how fully integrated Malta became. At the same time, elements of earlier Punic and local traditions continued to shape daily life.
The city of Melite (modern-day Mdina and Rabat) became the main Roman center on the island. It hosted administrative offices, temples, and elite residences. Roads, aqueducts, and baths linked the population to the broader Roman world, while local farmers and merchants thrived under Roman peace and stability.
A Safe Haven and a Shipwreck
Perhaps the most famous Roman-era story connected to Malta is the shipwreck of Saint Paul, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. According to tradition, Paul was on his way to Rome as a prisoner when a storm drove his ship ashore in Malta. This event, believed to have occurred around AD 60, planted early seeds of Christianity on the island.
Malta’s Place in the Roman World
Because Malta was part of the Province of Sicily during Roman rule, it enjoyed centuries of relative prosperity and security. Though governed from afar, it remained closely tied to Rome’s ambitions, serving as both an outpost and a vibrant part of imperial life.