Maltese archaeology’s Saflieni phase constitutes a transitional phase between two major periods of development.

Its name derives from the site of the Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni, a subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase in Maltese prehistory.

Thought to be originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times.

It is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world.

This period carried forward the same characteristics of the Ggantija pottery shapes, but it also introduces new biconical bowls.

Excavation and development of the Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni at Paola, Malta, a subterranean temple complex dating to the Saflieni phase (3000-2500 BCE) in Maltese prehistory, begins around 2500 BCE.

Subsequently used as a necropolis, it is today the only prehistoric underground temple in the world.

The transition in Malta from the Tarxien phase to the Tarxien Cemetery culture (2500-1500 BCE) is theorized to have begun circa 2000 BCE.

This phase is named after the graves built by new Bronze Age inhabitants on the site of the Tarxien Temples.

This new culture is typified by the use of metal implements and the construction of dolmens and, eventually, rock-cut tombs.

Tarxien Cemetery Ware is pebble-burnished and angular in shape, decoration is by incision.

Stylized clay figures and awls will also be discovered.

English archaeologist John Evans documented affinities between the Tarxien Cemetery material culture and the Castelluccio culture of southeastern Sicily.

Burials at this time are, for the most part, inurned cremations; urns have been excavated accompanied by flat axes, bronze daggers and other grave-goods.