Tarxien

East Temple (plan)
Wall and capstones.

A view, from inside an apse, of the fine wall-and-capstone construction of the climactic Tarxien phase of temple-building in Malta. Shortly after constructing these monuments, the temple builders disappeared without a trace and were never heard from again. Their legacy in stone remains, a priceless gift from the now far-distant past. We admire and honor their heritage. We are truly grateful, not only to them, but also to those who have worked so hard to preserve this treasure for today, and for tomorrow, and for all the tomorrows to come.

The modern buildings and fencing in this photo are jarring, and they are meant to be. I wanted to show that the fragile monuments of the past have always to contend with the demands, and rely on the protection, of the present.

Malta. 1998.