About Tarxien Prehistoric Temples

pple-converted-space"> altars, and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns. Demonstrative of the skill of the builders is a chamber set into the thickness of the wall between the South and Central temples and containing a relief showing a bull and a sow.

Tarxien’s first unit was constructed in the Ggantija phase (c. 3600-3000 BC) with a characteristic five-apsed plan. It is physically separate to the 3 other units, which are united by an outer wall.

The final unit was constructed in between the 2nd and 3rd units, which then created an elaborate temple plan consisting of three pairs of apses symmetrically disposed along the long axis leading the visitor from the entrance to the South Temples inner niche with its elaborately carved spirals the innermost part of Tarxien.

Structures in Tarxien demonstrate not only great precision in construction, but also the principles of the vertical arch and the domed ceiling.