Date: 3300 – 2500 BCE
Period: Neolithic
Phase: Saflieni
Location: Paola, Malta
Access: Public museum managed by Heritage Malta
Site details
Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is a necropolis and temple on three levels which once had an above ground megalithic entrance. It's thought it was used as both a burial site and for rituals similar to the temples.
Features
Finely carved room imitating the facade of a temple called the 'Holy of Holies'
Red ochre spirals on the ceiling
Black and white checkboard wall painting
Niche referred to as the 'oracle hole'
Sound resonates at a frequency known to have an affect on brain activity
Funnel shaped deep pit
Finds
Eleven skulls
Human bones
Pottery
Plate decorated with bull horns
'Sleeping lady' figurine
Lady on a couch figurine
Orientation
Unknown
Interesting facts
When the Hypogeum was first excavated the archaeologists referred to the skulls as dolichocephalic or long-headed. Modern science has dismissed this since the parameters for measuring crania have changed.
Nearly all the bones were found piled up and disarticulated so it's possible it was used as a secondary burial site.
No bones or other finds were excavated from the lowest level.