PostEurop is the association representing European postal operators. Each year postal administrations of PostEurop member countries issue EUROPA stamps bearing a common design or theme. The theme chosen for 2025 is “National Archaeological Discoveries”, aimed at revealing layers of history of the Continent’s rich and diverse heritage.
The MaltaPost issue consists of two new stamps showing artefacts found within Phoenician rock-cut tombs excavated at GKlieb and GQajjet in the outskirts of Rabat, in an area that served as a cemetery for the first Phoenicians who settled in Malta around 2,700 years ago. The Phoenicians were renowned seafarers from the Eastern Mediterranean, who set their sights on Malta’s strategic location and established settlements to serve as crucial points along their expansive trade routes – these stretched from the Levant to the Western edges of the Mediterranean.
The three newly discovered Phoenician tombs each consist of a rectangular or oval shaped shaft cut into the rock, which leads to a rectangular or oval burial chamber, where human remains and objects were buried. These tombs shed light on the burial rituals of the earliest Phoenicians on the Islands.
The €1.91 stamp shows pottery vessels used as drinking cups, jugs and storage jars. The majority of pottery items were clearly made in Malta as is evident from the distinct local style.
The second stamp, carrying a denomination of €2.00, portrays personal jewellery items including earrings, bangles, rings and beads found within large storage containers, together with cremated human remains. Such prized objects could have been heirlooms, passed on from one generation to the next. Both the pottery and jewellery items can be dated to the 7th century Before the Common Era (BCE).
EUROPA stamps underline cooperation within the postal domain, build awareness of the common roots, culture and history of Europe and highlight the Continent’s common goals. These issues are among the most collected and popular stamps.
Since the first issue in 1956, EUROPA stamps have been a tangible symbol of Europe’s desire for closer integration and cooperation. Previous EUROPA stamp sets have focused on National Birds, Bridges, Old Toys and Stories and Myths.
Order your ‘National Archaeological Discoveries’ stamps.
Acknowledgements: Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, Heritage Malta and the Department of Classics and Archaeology at the University of Malta.
