Environmental Studies Textbook - World Population, Ecosystems, Maltese Culture | PDF

Environmental studies The world population Population explosion- It's when the population increases by a lot in a short period of time Crowded areas- densely populated areas Few people living- sparsely populated areas Density of a place worked out- it is worked out by dividing the total populat...

Environmental studies The world population Population explosion- It's when the population increases by a lot in a short period of time Crowded areas- densely populated areas Few people living- sparsely populated areas Density of a place worked out- it is worked out by dividing the total population by the total area and is usually given as the same number of people km2. Positive factors are those that encourage people to live in an area. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Negative factors are those that discourage people from setting in an area. Positive factors: - Pleasant climate - Gentile slops - Water supply Negative factors: - Very cold climate - Steep slops - Poor soils Natural increase- the difference between birth and death rate. Migration- the movement of people from one place to another. Emigrants are people who leave their native country ----------------------------------------------------- Immigrants are those people who arrive in a country Daily migration -- Daily migration takes place as Maltese commuters. For example travel daily. Seasonal migration- Seasonal migration takes place when for example Maltese people are sent by the industry they work for, for training or to work in other EU countries for several weeks or months. Temporary migration- Temporary migration can be associated with Maltese ITS students who are sent to work in England, Scottland, The isle of man and in many other European countries for a whole year as part of their course of studies. CBD stands for central business. It is the high street of commers with many shops selling many products and offering many services Internal migration was a crucial regional change in the population size of the maltese island. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ External migration takes place between countries. Push factors are those which force or encourage people to leave their village and go to live in another or to leave their country of origin to go to live in another ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pull factors are those which attract people to go and live in another village or in another country. Voluntary migration is the free movement where the immigrants are looking for an improved quality of life and personal freedom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forced migration is when the immigrants had no personal choice but has to move due to natural disasters or economic or social imposition. The United Nation High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN refugee organization which was established in 1950 to lead and coordinate international action of the worldwide protection of refugees. The sea and coastal landforms Ocean waves are natural agents responsible for shaping the earths surface. Tsunamis have nothing to do with ocean waves that are naturally created by the wind blowing over the surface of the sea. Wind and wave action affects the costal erosion. What happens to the beach material in winter? -- The beaches cut back and sand is carried offshore a short distance by the heavy wave action. 4 main processes which the wave can erode the land- corrosion, corrasion, attrition and hydraulic action. Type of wave Role Swash Backwash -------------- ----------------- -------- ---------- -- Constructive Build a beach Strong Weak Destructive Destroy a beach Weak Strong Places of weakness in a headland -- joints/ faults The Ecosystem Ecosystem- An ecosystem is the relationship between living things and their habitat. Living things(biomass) - plants, fungi Non living things - air, water Biomes -- A large ecosystem containing the same types of vegetation and animal life. Producer Producers are eaten by plant-consuming animals ------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Herbivore Animals that eat plants Carnivore Animals that eat meat Decomposers They feed on the remains of dead creatures, such as fungi and bacteria. Food chain The process of energy transfer through the ecosystem Nutrients lost from a food chain -- Nutrients are lost by water percolation in the rocks and water run-off into rivers. Nutrients be replaced- weathering of rocks, decomposed matter We have around 4500 species of flora and fauna in the Maltese island. Endemic species- This means that they're found only in Malta and Gozo and nowhere else. We have 85 endemic species in our island. The 4 main ecosystems: - The woodland - The maquis - The garigue - The steppe Climax vegetation -- The climax vegetation of an ecosystem is the richest form of vegetation that can be found in an area. Alien species - Alien species is a plant, animal, or microorganism that is introduced to a place where it does not naturally belong. If it spreads and causes harm, it is called an invasive species. The sea as a natural resource Main sources of seawater pollution: - Toxic chemicals - Oil spills - Nuclear waste A problem hat is caused by artificial pesticides in agriculture - It can lad to fish as well as to specific bird contamination. Spit - Long and narrow strips formed from beach debris. How sand dunes form -- The process of dune formation involves wind blowing sand over plants growing towards the back of the beach leading to sand accumulation. Common sand dune plants: - Sea daffodils - African tamarisk Important threats affecting dune formation: - Road construction - Building of kiosks - The rise in sea level due to global warming Aquaculture - fish farming or aquaculture involves the rearing of fish in a marine environment for commercial purpose. Fish reared in farms-They are raised in tales or specific net enclosures. Ways in which fish farm affect the environment negatively- such as left-over feeds from fish pens, a concentration of fish excreta, pharmaceuticals as well as net cage coating. Advantages of fish farms- - They provide jobs to a number of people. - They provide the possibility to find specific types of fish all year around. Sustainable fishing-Maximum sustainable harvest which is the annual catch that can be taken year after year without the natural breeding stock depleting. Transport and trade Common reasons why people need to travel: - To go to work - For shopping - To go to school Trade- Trade is the movement of goods from one place to another. Imports : the goods bought are called imports ----------------------------------------------- Exports : those sold are called exports 4 types of transport utilized by humans: - Roads - Rail - Sea - Air Benefits brought about by the improvements in transport: - Cheaper travel - Increase trade - Greater choice of holidays - Increased mobility Problems brought by the improvement of transport: - Social problems - Environmental problems - Traffic jams - Less parking spaces The movement of good and people is good because it bring money to the economy. Rush hour -- The problem is even worse in the morning and in the late afternoon periods when people are travelling to and from work. Purposes for the Malta international airport: - Commercial freight - To carry mail - Passenger travel Yacht marinas in Malta: - Msida creek - Lazzaretto creek - Magarr harbor The Maltese cultural heritage Culture--A simple definition of culture would include the social heritage that humans pass from one generation to the next. Cultural stability- If a place conserved its cultural heritage, it is said to have a cultural stability. Primary socializing agent -- The family Secondary socializing agent -- the school Norms include the patterns of behavior, that is the way we interact with each other. Values include love, respect, friendship, tolerance which are very important to live together in society. The development of the Maltese language- The Maltese people developed a unique language that is an essential element within their culture. When the Romans took Malta, they found a Punic-speaking population. The Maltese language continued to develop during the Arabic domination of the islands. Weather and climate Weather refers to the daily status of the atmosphere. Climate is a more long-term feature. It is defined as the regular weather conditions monitored over a long period of time for a given area which is usually more extensive. Factors that affect climate: - Temperature - Humidity - Dew Dew is a form of condensed water vapor which is the result of a temperature drop. This usually happens very close to ground level. If the temperature drops below 0˚C, dew drops turn into ground frost. The temperature of an area is determined- The temperature of an area is usually determined by the amount of sunshine that a particular location gets and is measured by a thermometer. Humidity affecting the temperature of an area- The colder regions will hold less moisture than warmer ones. Our warmer climates results in high rates of humidity. How clouds form- A cloud is made up of millions of very small particles of drops or ice floating in the atmosphere above the surface of the earth. Forms of precipitation: - Snow - Sleet - Hail - Rainfall Relief rainfall occurs when warm clouds filled with the moisture are driven over high areas such as mountains. As the air rises it's temperature decreases and the air condenses, farming clouds leading to rainfall. Frontal rainfall happens when cold dry air comes into contact with warm moist laden clouds. Two air masses have different densities so the warmer, moister, and lighter air is driven over heavier, cooler, air leading to condensation. Convectional rainfall is mainly the result of the sun's heat on a ground surface which once heated, transfers this heat to the air above it. The heated air rises and cools leading to condensation. Humidity- This is the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere. Humidity can be absolute or relative. A cyclone is associated with low pressure. These low-pressure regions are enclosed with areas of a higher pressure. Stormy weather is often the result of a cyclone. An anticyclone Mid-latitude cyclone are also referred to as depressions and occur when warm air meets cool air. Such cyclones are associated with rainy weather and occur between 30˚ to 60˚latitude. Tropical cyclones usually occur over warm waters. As its name suggests, this type f cyclone occurs usually in the warm tropical zones. Isobars are curved lines which map out the zones which have the same amount of pressure. Different types of fronts: - Cold front - Warm front - Occluded front - Stationary front +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | Mediterranean climate | Equatorial climate | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | Places with this kind | 30˚to 45˚ both North | 5˚ to 20˚ both North | | of climate are | and South of the | and South of the | | located | Equator. | equator | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Characteristics of | - Very hot summers | - Hot all year | | this climate | | around | | | - Cool wet winters | | | | | - No seasons | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Rain | Rain is generally | Abundant rainfall all | | | concentrated in | year around | | | winter | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Vegetation | Scup land | Tropical rain forest | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ Epiphytes are plants that can grow on other plants for support such as lianas. Importance of ozone gas on earth- One of the gases surrounding the Earth is known as the ozone and it is important since it shields human beings from the intense radiation of the sun. Greenhouse gases: - Carbon dioxide - Methane What is biodiversity? Ways which biodiversity can be lost: - Habitat destruction - Importation of alien plant and animal species Endangered species: - Asiatic black bear - American black bear - Brown bear A maximum sustainable harvest is the annual catch that can be taken year after year from our seas and oceans without destroying the whole fish breeding stock. Why we have more biological invasions nowadays- This is due to the expansion of shipping, plane services and international trade , all of which have made it easier for plants and animals species to be carried far outside the location they originate from. Alien species with neutral effects include those species that occupy vacant spaces in a local ecosystem, and do not cause any disruption. Alien species with a positive effect are those that are necessary or beneficial to human society. Eg crops CITES- Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Endemic species to the Maltese island - Vascular plants - The lizard - The shrew Endangered endemic animal species: - The field cricket - The painted frog Endangered endemic plant species - The star fruit - The dwarf rush Legally protected species: - The wild thyme - Trees over 200 years - All reptiles Tectonic activity Earth is a dynamic planet -- The earth id made up of a number of plates. Every plate made up of the Earth's crust moves as an independent unit, in different directions and velocities. Main tectonic plates: - African - Antarctic - Eurasian - Indo-Australian - Nazca - North American - South American - Pacific Plate boundaries - Transform - Convergent - Divergent Earthquakes are considered as environmental hazards because they cannot be predicted and lead to loss of life. The 10-point Richter scale measures the energy released by the earthquake. The 12-point Mercalli scale measures the severity of the ground movement from observation. Hazards with volcanic eruptions - Loss of life - Damaged properties - Good fertilizer - Tourists attraction Rocks and their formation The main types of rocks Igneous rocks form when volcanoes bring up molten material and gases from the interior of the Earth. This material, that is called magma, cools down and becomes a solid rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks together with chemicals which have been deposited. One layer on another on the sea bed and in fresh water lakes. Metamorphic rocks form when igneous or sedimentary rocks change due to exposure to heat or pressure. This heat and pressure is caused by the movement created by forces within Earth. Extrusive- Lava Intrusive -- magma Cementation is the binding of sand and fragmented rock particles together. This occurs because of the natural chemical present. Upper coralline limestone --------------------------- Greensands Blue clay Globigerina Limestone Lower coralline limestone The two main processes that lead to the disintegration: Physical weathering involves the break-up of rocks into smaller fragments without any changes in their chemical composition. Chemical weathering is caused by a change in the chemical composition in rocks. These chemical changes occur mostly in warm and wet climates, since these encourage chemical reactions to take place within the rocks. Weathering involves rock break up and deterioration. Unlike erosion, weather doesn't involve the movement or transportation of material. Karst is a term, used to define landforms that occur on limestone rocks. They are distinctive for chemical weathering, rock structure and permeability. Public health and health services in Malta through the ages Roman period In 218 BC, the Maltese islands became part of the Roman Empire. Without creating any pressure to abolish the public background on the island, the Romans gradually instilled their own social customs, especially by bringing impeccable standards of personal and domestic cleanliness. **Medieval Period** Towards the middle of the 14th century, an edifice which at the time was known as Ospedale San Francesco in Rabat was being used as a hospital. This hospital, which was later called Santo Spirito, was among the earliest known women\'s hospitals in Malta. However, it stopped its activities in 1418. **Knights Period** The Knights\' acquisition of the Maltese islands opened a new chapter in the local medical and cultural history. The Order not only brought numerous physicians and surgeons but also specific policies regarding health. **British Period** The British government realized that the Valletta General Hospital was inadequate due to drastic reductions in hygiene levels. The governor emphasized the need for a new military hospital. Malta being the nurse of the Mediterranean: Following the demands made on the Maltese medical military facilities, the governor advised the British government that the Valletta General Hospital was inadequate due to a drastic reduction in hygiene levels. The governor emphasized the need for a new military hospital. Bighi Hospital in Kalkara served as a naval hospital through the period when Malta was governed by the British, hence Malta came to be known as the \"Nurse of the Mediterranean.\" Lazzaretto hospital The Lazzaretto Hospital was opened on Manoel Island, away from inhabited areas, to keep pestilences such as the plague at bay. The main aim of this hospital was to keep travellers under observation before they were allowed to wander around the island. Other measures included purifying merchandise by unpacking it and exposing it to air so that it would be properly ventilated. Sir Temi's discovery During the 19th century, a common disease known as \'deni bil-goat\' or the Maltese fever was claiming many lives. At first, the source of the bacteria causing this disease was unknown, and the problem persisted despite numerous tests. No one had managed to locate where this germ was coming from until both British and local authorities set up a medical commission to investigate further.Dr. Temi Zammit located the microbe in goat\'s blood and observed that the bacteria were actually transferred to humans through goat\'s milk. Since the goat was the actual carrier of the germ, this discovery helped in controlling the spread of the disease. The Maltese lifestyle Malta in the 19^th^ century The 19th century in Malta was characterized by the British rule, which started in 1800 and lasted for more than one hundred and fifty years. The beginning of the 19th century was also an era of change for the Maltese. Folk singing Maltese folk singing or għana is unique in style since it is a mix of notes from the European guitar and voices that resemble the Arabic tones. Għana developed as a form of oral expression and a leisure activity of the common people. Imnarja celebrations Folk singing was central to the Imnarja celebrations that took place every 29th June, better known as the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. On the occasion, people from all over the island used to walk or ride long distances to meet up at Buskett. Carnival Another annual leisure activity that started to feature on the church calendar was carnival. At first, the Catholic Church considered carnival as a pagan festival, but it was later included in the calendar in the days prior to Lent. Carnival in Malta dates back to the 15th century and was encouraged by the Knights of St. John. Il-Parata Il-parata is an old sword dance commemorating the Maltese victory over the Turks in 1565, and it opens the carnival festival. Soil: A vital natural resource Soil-Soil forms because of weathering and erosion of rocks. Through these processes smaller rocks particles are produced which, when mixed with dust and decayed organic matter over time, results in different type of soil. Soil is made up of these elements: - Texture - Depth - Organic matter - Color Soil horizons-A soil horizon is simply a layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above or below it. Soils that can be found in Malta: - Terra rosea - Carbonate raw - Xerorendzinas Afforestation involves increasing the amount of vegetation cover in a particular zone to protect exposed land areas. Afforestation also helps to reduce global warming. Localities that have been afforested lately: - Mellieha - Salina - Hal Far Renewable and non-Renewable resources Problems that are generated by limestone extraction: - Noise pollution - Air pollution due to dust - Land surface vibration **Wind Energy**: A valuable but underutilized resource. Wind turbines generate electricity, and offshore wind farms are efficient. **Hydro-Electricity**: A widely used renewable source that captures energy from moving water, often through dams and reservoirs. **Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Locally**: Efforts focus on promoting eco-friendly vehicles and improving public transport with low-emission buses. **Solar Energy**: Derived from the sun. Captured via solar panels for heating water and photovoltaic cells for electricity. **Oil Spills**: A major environmental threat, harming marine life, seabirds, and coastal ecosystems. **Natural Gas**: An alternative to coal and oil, with similar extraction methods but more promising reserves. **Greenhouse Gases Emitted Locally**: Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, hydrofluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Agriculture in the Maltese island **types of farming and explain them.** **Arable-**Cultivation of crops. **Pastoral-**Rearing of animals. **Mixed-** Combination of arable and pastoral farming. **CAP-**Common Agricultural Policy. **CAP-**This policy, established by the European Union in 1962, aimed to increase agricultural production, improve farmers\' living standards, and maintain reasonable food prices and supplies for consumers. **Intensive farming:** High output from small land areas due to significant capital and labor inputs. Utilizes machinery and new technologies for efficiency. Examples include pig farming in Denmark and rice cultivation in Southeast Asia. **Extensive farming:** Farms are large relative to the money and labor invested. Examples include cattle ranching in Australia and the pampas in Argentina, where few workers manage vast areas. **Commercial farming:** Farming for profit, growing crops or raising animals for sale. Can be arable, pastoral, or mixed. **Subsistence farming:** Producing enough food only for the farmer\'s family, without surpluses for sale. **Benefits of contour ploughing-**Contour ploughing, done at right angles to the water flow direction, helps protect soil from water erosion. It allows water to stay in place longer and percolate into the soil. **Methods of irrigation used locally:** - Drip irrigation - Sprinkler irrigation Crop rotation is a system of planting different crops in the same field in a planned sequence. This helps maintain soil health, increase yields, and control pests and diseases. **Viticulture-**Growing vines for wine grapes. Organic farming prohibits the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, it relies on biological methods like introducing bumblebees for pest control in greenhouses. It prioritizes environmentally friendly practices. Malta in the European Union EEC -- European Economic Community EURATOM -- European Atomic Energy Community 27 countries are in the EU The Eu today- EU Member States uphold peace, democracy, the rule of law, individual freedom, and human rights. They value ethnic and cultural diversity and promote these principles globally. The 3 Eu institutions: **The Council of the EU**: The main decision-making body, led by each Member State for 6 months. One minister represents each state in meetings. **The European Parliament**: Elections occur every 5 years, allowing all EU citizens to vote or run as candidates. It operates from Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg. **The European Commission**: Politically independent, its members serve 5-year terms. It upholds the EU's interests without influence from any Member State government. Malta joined the Eu on the 1st of May 2004 Malta benefits from it: - The European structural funds - The open movement of goods and services - The freedom of movement of professionals within the Union itself Tern- Initiated in 1993, this project aimed to enhance the EU's internal road infrastructure. It created a well-planned transport system covering road, rail, air, and water, ensuring faster and more efficient travel for commuters and freight across Europe. Schengen Agreement- It is basically an area without any internal borders. People travelling to the countries in the Schengen zone need not present a valid passport but only their ID card. Malta adopted the euro on the 1st of January 2008. The world of Politics **Power one of the aspects of politics -** Power is a crucial aspect of politics because it involves the ability to influence individuals or groups. It has a significant impact on how societies are governed and decisions are made. **Civic rights-**These are rights granted to every individual as a member of a community. **Civic duties-**These are obligations that members of a community are expected to fulfill. Democratic societies uphold fundamental rights and impose duties on their members. Political power rests with the people, ensuring their rights are respected. Pluralism of ideas means that society accepts that different individuals and groups will hold diverse opinions and beliefs. It recognizes and values this diversity as a strength. **The first two political parties that were set up in the Maltese Islands-**The two groups were referred to as \"Il Partito Paolino\" and \"Il Partito Anti-Riformisti.\" Indeed, these two parties laid the foundations for the two largest political parties which are still very active in our country. The Reformist party became the Labour Party, and the Anti-Reformist party became the Nationalist Party. **Interest groups-**People might, therefore, form part of a particular group, called interest groups, which safeguard and promote their particular interests. **Pressure groups-**These groups put pressure on society to compel it to implement specific measures. The Parliament is usually part of the democratic type of leadership. Parliament refers to that group of people who meet and discuss matters related to the running of the state. **How are the candidates elected in a general election-**The candidates running for elections are elected according to the number of votes awarded to them. The election system used is that of proportional representation whereby the position of the elected candidates directly represents the voters\' opinions. **responsibilities of the Local Councils:** - Maintaining and improving local infrastructure (roads, pavements, etc.) - Providing local services (waste collection, parks, etc.) - Promoting local development (economic, social, cultural) - Representing the interests of the local community. **Central Government:** Responsible for national issues (defense, foreign policy, national infrastructure, etc.) **Local Councils:** Responsible for local issues (local services, local infrastructure, community development, etc.) **Devolution of power-**This means that some degree of political power is transferred from the national level to the local level, such as authority over local development, including authority over local libraries. **Decentralization of power-**This refers to the transfer of duties from the central government to the local government. Actions and decisions at the local level must be accompanied by a relative measure of responsibility, allowing different localities to make separate political decisions from their counterparts. **Depolarization-**Aims at reducing the political divide between candidates and elected members alike in a local council. **Democratic management-**Aims to improve local councils and promote participation from all citizens to contribute to the local decisions taken. The four sectors of economy An industrial estate is an area where there is a concentration of factories which manufacture a product or part of a finished product: - Mriehel industrial estate - Hal Far industrial estate - Mosta industrial estate Socio-economic development- Development that takes place in a country and which is mostly seen in the economy of the country and in the development of its society. Potable water -- more seawater has to be treated in Reverse Osmosis plants all over the islands Importation of fuel -- it is used in power stations for the production of energy and electricity Food -- more fruit and vegetables have to be imported from foreign countries since the demand will be much greater that the supply provided by Maltese farmers. Domestic tourism includes the Maltese that visit Gozo during specific periods during the year and during weekends, as well as the high number of Maltese who move to their summer residences or second homes during the summer months. Eco tourism-It is also called green tourism. It is a sustainable form of tourism which aims to protect the environment and respect the local culture and customs. Sustainable tourism development is a form of tourism development that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. Pre-History Pre-history- Before human civilization development Sub periods: - The neolithic period - Bronze age - The temple period Remains found in the skorba: - Remains of the villages - Remains of a stone wall Popular forms of Maltese megalithic architecture: - Kidney shaped plan - 3-apsed plan - 5-apsed plan People of the bronze age- Those people were trained in the art of war and used to live in fortified settlements ,such as Borg in-Nadur in b'ugiba. Dolmen- It was used for the burial of ashes underneath it. Cart-ruts-There function is still unknown nowadays but most probably they were used for transporting tools for work by the farmers, to transport agriculture products from fields to villages to carry fresh water. Phoenician Period The interest of why the Phoenicians wanted to colonize Malta: - The mediterranean was a source of wealth and prosperity - The geographical position of the Maltese island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. - The naturally sheltered harbors Phoenicians: - They had left a great impact on the Maltese island - They were great mariners and traders Carthage was the city that The Phoenicians founded in the Maltese island. Gods worshiped by Phoenicians: - Ashtarte - Ba'al They used to bury the dead in rock-cut tombs Tophet- It was an open air century were they used to burry stilt born babies. Mdina and Citadela lead back to the Phoenicians Country houses belonged to the wealthy people Roman Period The Romans concurred Gozo in 218 B.C The powers in which the Maltese held during this period: - The Maltese where able to keep their lawn - Mint their own money The Roman domus- The roman townhouse has been recently restored by the Heritage of Malta. For many it was called the roman villa, but this name was not appropriate since this was a country house. The central motif/emblema of the mosic shows 2 pigeons resting on the edge of a bowl. Roman baths- The baths functioned by means of a system called hypocaust chamber where fire was lit to provide hot and cold water. Roman towers: - Ta wilga Tower - Tal Gawhar Tower Hypogea are underground structures where people where buried, sometimes even entire families. The knights period The two parts of the knight period: - 1530-1565 - 1565-1798 Chiaroscuro- The artist both in painting and in sculpture seeks to create a balanced contrast between light and shaded in the same human figure or else in the entire artistic composition. The Grandmasters place function- Its use is being the office of the president of Malta, the old parliament and as the armory. The inside of the oratory of the co-cathedral- The famous painting of Caravaggio-the beheading of St john the Baptist. Auberges: - Aragon - Italy - Provence - Castille Mdina wasn't a good defence place due to it being far away from the grand harbor. Why fort st elmo was built -Fort St. Elmo was built in **1552** by the **Knights of St. John** to protect Malta's harbours from Ottoman and pirate attacks. Its strategic location helped delay the Ottoman invasion during the **Great Siege of 1565**, strengthening Malta's defense. Towers built during the knight period: - Sliema tower - Wignacourt tower Qormi-Citta Pinto Zebbug- Citta Rohan Zejtun-citta Beland Siggiewi- Citta Ferdinand Zabbar-Citta Hompech New localities: - Floriana - Valletta - Paolo - Senglea The French Period Malta was lead by General Napolean Boneparte the invasion to place in 1798 The rule of knights became out of fashion: - They believed that their country needed a new style of government - They where old fashioned - They lacked democratic principles The agreement of the knights and French- They had 48 hours to leave and leave everything behind them. What happened to the Maltese island the two years it was under the French rule: - Absolute political control - They didn't spend any money instead they took from the island The British Period Maltese independence is on the 21^st^ of September 1964. The affect of the suez canal- The Maltese island acquired an even more strategic position. Victoria lines- the colonial government decided to continue the works, on the Victoria lines, a project started by the order of St John but discontinued due to financial reasons. Neo-classical architecture hardly ever utilized for churches- The reason behind this was that many Maltese, including the local church, associated this style with the paganism of the architecture of the ancient Greek and Romans. The Baroque style was very popular in this period. Building built on baroque style: - St joseph parish church - Our lady parish church Building built on the Neo gothic style: - Carmelite church - The church of the addolorata cemetery Vernacular architecture Vernacular architecture was used by Maltese farmers Caves that have been inhabited in the past: - Ghar il-kbir - San Niklaw The use of the girna was so that farmers have a place to store there tools. The dura was a room in which the farmers used to place his farming tools or crops he would have just harvested from his fields. This was usually characterized by a dingle entrance Wayside chapels use- These used to show the veneration the Maltese had towards the lord, our lady and saints. Functions of the rubble wall: - To separate one property from another - As means of protection from soil erosion Migbha is a bees breeding place. They can be found in Mellieha and Selmun