Yesterday evening, The Phoenicia Malta's Grand Ballroom was filled to capacity as history enthusiasts gathered to hear renowned historian and broadcaster Dan Snow discuss some of Malta's most remarkable historical treasures, with the event highlighting the country's rich heritage and its growing appeal to international audiences.
Addressing attendees before the live podcast began, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said Dan Snow's visit represented an important opportunity to showcase Malta's unique history to new audiences around the world.
Describing Malta as the "jewel of the Mediterranean", Mr Micallef noted that despite the island's extraordinary concentration of historical sites – from its prehistoric temples to its churches and centuries of cultural heritage – many people abroad remain unaware of Malta's story.
He stressed that history is not confined to museums or archaeological sites, but is woven into everyday life across the islands, adding that initiatives such as the live podcast help bring Malta's past to life for international audiences.
Opening the evening, Robyn Pratt, General Manager of The Phoenicia Malta, welcomed guests by saying the hotel was proud to host the sold-out event. She described the venue as being, for the evening, a custodian of Malta's treasures, as some of the country's most significant historical artefacts formed the centrepiece of the discussion.
Kenneth Gambin, Chief Operations Officer at Heritage Malta, emphasised the importance of making history engaging and relevant for everyone. He said heritage is "very much alive" and continues to shape Malta's identity, explaining that understanding where people come from helps define who they are today.
"Behind every story lies a person," he remarked.
The evening then moved into a live panel discussion featuring Dan Snow alongside Director within Heritage Malta Services Ltd Liam Gauci, Prof. Manuel Buttigieg and Museum Curator Keith Gatt.
Describing his visit as "a whirlwind trip", Mr Snow remarked that Malta possesses "the most concentrated history in a tiny island", praising the remarkable density of historical sites and stories found across the country.
Using five significant artefacts as a starting point, the panel explored key moments in Maltese history spanning thousands of years. Among the objects discussed was prehistoric obsidian discovered in Malta, which likely originated from Lipari in Sicily, illustrating that even Malta's earliest inhabitants maintained connections with communities beyond the islands.
Other artefacts featured during the discussion included Phoenician amphorae recovered from the Mediterranean seabed, the Tyger privateer goblet, an Order of St John blunderbuss, French Admiral Denis Decrès' presentation sword, and the George Cross, with each object offering insight into a defining chapter of Malta's past.
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