The only known prehistoric underground temple worldwide is located in Malta. Dating back to 5.000 B.C, “Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni” or simply “Hypogeum”, from the Greek word hypo (under) and gaia (mother earth) is an underground construction, which consists of interconnecting chambers in three levels. Hypogeum, carved into 2.000 tons of stone, was discovered in 1902 by construction workers while working on the foundations of a building.
The first excavator of this underground construction was Fr Emmanuel Magri. He worked there between 1904 and 1906, but his notes were lost after his death in Tunisia. Magri was succeeded by Sir Themistocles Zammit until 1911.
Archaeologists believe Hypogeum was used until 2500 B.C. Although its original purpose is unknown, they are sure that it was used as a burial place.
