Tarxien phase

The Tarxien phase (3150-2500 BCE) followed the Saflieni phase (3000-2500 BCE) and typifies the last and most advanced period of temple building in prehistoric Malta. The Tarxien phase evolved into the Tarxien Cemetery phase (2500-1500 BCE) and Borġ in-Nadur phase (1400-800 BCE).

Tarxien Overview
Three main temple structures and the remains of a small fourth were unearthed at the Tarxien complex. All except the last structure to be built, the Central Temple, are sited in a southeast quadrant. With the exception of the Early Temple, which dates back to the older Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BCE), the three principal temples date back to the eponymous Tarxien phase, as does part of the Mnajdra complex, and represent the last of the temple structures to be constructed by prehistoric man in Malta.

The Tarxien temples are noted for fine statuary, friezes, reliefs and a wealth of pottery. Animal and spiral motifs are abundant. The originals of the artifacts have been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Valletta for preservation and safekeeping; modern copies take their place on site.