Resting atop Mark’s palm is the ancient fortress town of Rabat, or Victoria. The foundations were established in Neolithic times. During medieval times it became the traditional business hub of Gozo, where merchants once gathered for trade and where fresh goods are bartered and bought today.The city is hidden within an enclosure of limestone walls, stories high. From atop this structure, the brave Knights of Saint John battled Turkish warriors imposing on the islands, which were a key access point to the Mediterranean. Those who managed to catapult themselves overtop the fortress walls were soon lost in a maze of narrow cobblestone streets. The Knights easily cornered and bludgeoned their Saracen enemies.
Eventually the Ottoman Empire succeeded in taking over the Maltese Islands, reigning for centuries until the Roman Empire conquered the archipelago. During this period, captors left a legacy woven into the traditions and culture of the Maltese. Today, delicious Turkish Halva is eaten without remorse, the infrastructure reveals an Eastern Mediterranean influence looking much like Greence and Turkey, and the Maltese pleasantly greet one another in a language akin to Arabic.
Although they eventually lost their battle, the island warriors fought bravely to hold down their fort. It was not as easy as Mark makes it look.
