University of Cincinnati
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date:___________________ I, _________________________________________________________, hereby submit this work as part of the requirements for the degree of: in: It is entitled: This work and its defense approved by: Chair: _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ The Role of Malta in Prehistoric Mediterranean Exchange Networks A thesis submitted to the Division of Research and Advanced Studies of the University of Cincinnati in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the Department of Classics of the College of Arts and Sciences 2007 by Natalie Abell B.A., Indiana University, 2003 Committee: Jack L. Davis, Chair Gisela Walberg ABSTRACT The Maltese archipelago, made up of five small islands, is located almost exactly in the middle of the Mediterranean. From the Phoenician period to the modern day, Malta, because of its central location and excellent harbors, has been integral to pan-Mediterranean exchange, communication, and military endeavors. However, the earliest long-distance Mediterranean trade networks between east and west barely reached these islands. This thesis investigates long- term trends in prehistoric Maltese exchange networks in order to illuminate how and why the Maltese did not participate more actively in early exchange networks. It also explores the nature of Bronze Age exchange networks between the eastern and central Mediterranean from the often overlooked perspective of the periphery. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I offer many thanks to Jack Davis for his guidance and input throughout my thesis-writing experience, and to Gisela Walberg for her comments and encouragement. I am indebted to Reuben Grima, Katya Stroud, and the staff of Heritage Malta and the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, who welcomed me without hesitation, and who went above and beyond the call of duty to assist me.
[Show full text]