The Hypogeum, Malta. What was the purpose of the Hypogeum - The hypogeum offers us a rare glimpse at the prehistoric  synthesis of funerary, sun-worship and shamanic traditions. The central chamber has several small rounded cubicles carved into the walls which, it is currently suggested, were originally intended for 'living' people as part of a ritual, in which they would have had to lie inside in a foetal position (out of necessity). It is perhaps relevant that traces of 'ergot' have been found in the chamber called the 'cistern',  and that one of the physical effects of ergot is to constrict bodily muscles, resulting in a forced foetal position. Furthermore, it is reported that from within these small cubicles, echoes from the 'speaking' chamber reverberate into a rhythm that is similar to the human heartbeat. We can conclude from this that the Hypogeum was originally designed and constructed as a functional structure, and was used for ritualistic purposes and that it's service as a storage chamber for the dead was a secondary and final use only.   The Skeletons: When it was first discovered, the skeletons of over 7,000 people were found near the inside chambers at the entrance. Today apparently only six skulls survive. They appeared 'elongated' and one lacked the Fossa median (the join that runs along the top of the skull) (2). Peet (4) says of Hal Saflieni that: 'When the museum authorities took over the Hypogeum practically all the chambers were filled to within a short distance of the roofs with a mass of reddish soil, which proved to contain the remains of thousands of human skeletons. In other words, Hal Saflieni was used as a burial place, though this may not have been its original purpose. The bones lay for the most part in disorder, and so thickly that in the space of about 4 cubic yards lay the remains of no less than 120 individuals. One skeleton, however,  was found intact, lying on the right side in the crouched position, i.e. with arms and knees bent up...The bodies themselves were so damaged with damp that only ten skulls could be saved whole'. 'That the bones at Hal Saflieni were placed there when free from flesh is probable from the closeness with which they were packed together. (4)   The Structure: The entrance to the Hypogeum is through an unsuspecting doorway in an unsuspecting street. It was first discovered in 1902, when builders broke through whilst building foundations for a house. At first, the hole was covered over and the event was kept quiet but word of the discovery soon got out and the museum authorities moved in to protect it.   Note from the photo (right), that the Hypogeum, although underground, was built near the top of a natural hill. The nearby Hal Tarxien, temple complex was was built higher still on the same face of the hill.   Although most of the Hypogeum is underground, the entrance to it was built with megaliths, placed in what was presumably the natural entrance of the original cave.   The 1990-1992 excavations suggested that there may have once been a monumental structure built directly on top. (3)   The 'speaking chamber' is a hole in the wall carved with a rounded interior surface. The result is an echo which reverberates throughout the hypogeum. It is speculated that this hole was part of a ceremonial process.   A design was painted in red-ochre onto the ceiling of one chamber which starts off on one side with a honeycomb design and transforms into an collection of 'floral' spirals on the other.   The hypogeum includes replicas of features from megalithic structures above ground on Malta. It is possible to see both trilithons and 'doorways' in the same style as those found in the numerous temples on the islands. It was also the place where the famous terracotta figure called the 'Sleeping Lady' was found (in a 'cistern' containing numerous offerings).   We can assume from the 'sleeping goddess' and the similarity in its design that the Hypogeum is contemporary with the several large temple structures found on Malta.   Chronology - At its earliest, the Hypogeum' is dated at around 4000 BC (1),(3)   Archaeo-astronomy - The 'Holy of holies' within the heart of the hypogeum is placed so as to be illuminated by the annual winter solstice sunrise (the shortest day of the year), which would have originally shone through the entrance (as was the case with most other Maltese temples), and directly onto the holiest of holies.   It has been observed that the Maltese temples are often 'paired', which makes the nearby Tarxien temple the most likely candidate as a partner. A second Hypogeum (The Hypogeum II), has been discovered underneath the Xaghra Circle on Gozo Island.   Important Notice: The Hypogeum is open on a Restricted Viewing basis only. It is generally necessary to book ahead, possible via the following link: WWW.heritagemalta.org (During my last visit in April 2009 there was a six week waiting list.)

Gallery of Images:

The Trilithon Entrance.	The Holiest of Holies.	The 'Central' chamber.	The offering pit or 'cistern'.
Connected chambers.	Doorway and steps. to nowhere.	Carved ceiling lintels.	Side chambers.

(Other Maltese sites)