The Cippi of Malta, two ancient marble pillars from the 2nd century BC, have been reunited for the first time on Maltese soil since their celebrated display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This special exhibition at Valletta's National Museum of Archaeology will be open to the public until the 31st of March 2025.

These Cippi are of tremendous historical value due to their unique bilingual inscriptions in Phoenician and Greek, which played a crucial role in unlocking the mysteries of the Phoenician script.

In 1758, French scholar Jean-Jacques Barthélemy used these inscriptions to decipher the ancient language, marking a significant milestone in linguistic studies.

The journey of the Cippi spans continents and centuries. In 1782, one of the pillars was gifted to France by Grand Master de Rohan as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill, finding a permanent home in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Meanwhile, its twin remained in Valletta, where it has been preserved and displayed. Their reunion at the Louvre Abu Dhabi last year underscored a deep cultural partnership between Malta and the UAE, and now, through collaboration with the Louvre, the Cippi are back in Malta, offering a unique opportunity for public interaction with these cultural treasures.

This exhibition invites visitors to explore not only the ancient origins of the Cippi but also ongoing research into their arrival in Malta. A detailed illustrated publication complements the exhibition, providing rich insights into the artifacts' history.

Admission to this historic showcase is included with the museum ticket. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm until the 5th of January 2025, after which it will be closed on Tuesdays through February.

Will you be attending this exhibition?