YEARS  AGO
Shape, color and decoration styles of pottery combine to make an important diagnostic tool for identifying a population because trends changed like fashion does today.

From the archaeological trail of pottery remains, it is believed that the temple-builders came by way of Sicily, 60 miles to the north.  They must have known something about navigation since the islands are not in sight of each other at sea level.  They also already had the skills to build seaworthy craft to carry livestock including oxen, as well as their families, tools and household goods.

There are a number of hints which, when put together, lead to a compelling theory that the temple culture originated far to the east in what is known today as The Levant.  Comparisons of ancient DNA could clarify the movement of prehistoric people in the Mediterranean.

We will never know why they chose to settle on the islands of Malta.  The workable nature of the available stone may have been a factor, or they may have discovered that later.  An evolution of design elements points toward a growth of monumental building after they were on Malta for a while.