Exploring Malta (2) Miss Clara Site and Situation The characteristics of the point where the settlement is located. These characteristics were the reason why the Settlement Site people in the early days chose this site to settle down and live there. This refers to the location of a settlement relative to its surroundings. E.g. if there Settlement Situation are any other settlements close by, or a river for transportation. Especially where climate was very dry, it was better for Wet-point site people to locate close to rivers and springs for a constant supply of water. Especially where the climate is very wet, areas close to the river were avoided because they were very prone to Dry-point site flooding, and this was very dangerous. Therefore people settled on dry land further away from rivers. Page | 1 Exploring Malta (2) Miss Clara In the early ages, wood and stone were used for buildings. Remember that transport was not yet developed, so they Building material had to settle down close to these materials because they would be very heavy to carry a long way. In the old times, people used to defend themselves against Defence other tribes and enemies, so they based their location on hill tops to prevent attacks. Since electricity was not yet developed, it was very important for people to settle Fuel supply down close to wood supplies for cooking and heating. Early settlers needed fertile land to grow crops and rear Food supply animals. Settlements were built where they could shelter from very strong winds that could harm their buildings and fields. At the same time, it was important that they got enough Shelter and aspect sunlight, both because they did not have light, so they had to make use of the natural light, as well as for the growth of crops. Page | 2 Exploring Malta (2) Miss Clara Settlement Patterns Due to human and physical characteristics of the area, the shape Settlement patterns of the settlement varies. These are called settlement patterns In this type of settlement there are a few scattered houses that are not built close to each other. Usually these are isolated Dispersed Settlement farmhouses that have large areas of farmland for agriculture and rearing of animals. An example of these are at Pwales valley in Malta This type of settlement is clustered around a central point, such Nucleated Settlement as a church. In Malta, we find many settlements that are nucleated such as Rabat, Mosta and Dingli In this type of settlement, we find buildings built along a route Linear Settlement way such as a road, or a river. In Malta we may find these in Ħamrun, Floriana, Santa Venera and Fgura Page | 3