Malta’s Past in Vivid Colour: ARTE’s ‘The Colour of Antiquity’

Imagine walking down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the worn cobblestones, and suddenly, the ancient world comes alive. This is the magic of ARTE’s latest documentary, ‘The Colour of Antiquity’, premiering this week. It’s not just about history; it’s about bringing our past into vivid, vibrant colour.

Malta, a tiny archipelago with a big history, is the perfect canvas for this documentary. From the megalithic temples of Mnajdra and Ġgantija to the Roman villas of San Pawl Milqi, our islands are a treasure trove of ancient sites. But until now, they’ve been mostly seen in shades of grey. ‘The Colour of Antiquity’ changes that.

Using cutting-edge technology, the documentary paints a vivid picture of Malta’s past. It’s not just about restoring colours to ancient frescoes or pottery; it’s about bringing life to the people who lived here thousands of years ago. Suddenly, those are no longer just ruins; they’re homes, filled with families, laughter, and stories.

The documentary takes us on a journey through time, starting with the Ġgantija Temples, built around 3600 BC. We see the red ochre and black pigments used by the temple builders, the geometric patterns they painted on their walls. Then, we’re off to Roman Malta, where we meet the people who lived in the grand villas of San Pawl Milqi, their lives brought to life with rich, warm colours.

But it’s not just about the big sites. The documentary also delves into the everyday lives of ordinary Maltese people. We see the colours of their clothing, their pottery, their homes. We watch as they work, play, and live. It’s a far cry from the grey, dusty images we’re used to seeing in history books.

So, how can you watch ‘The Colour of Antiquity’? The documentary premieres this Thursday on ARTE, the European cultural TV channel. If you’re not near a TV, don’t worry – you can stream it online on their website or app. And if you miss it, don’t despair; it’ll be available on demand for a while.

But why should you watch it? Because it’s not just about seeing our past in a new light. It’s about understanding it, connecting with it. It’s about seeing Malta not just as it is, but as it was, and as it could be. So, tune in this Thursday. It’s history, but not as you know it.