The temple period in Malta between 5500 to 4500 years ago was a period in which the local population differentiated culturally from the rest of the Mediterranean; this is especially seen from the art and architecture.

The most famous sophistication is of course represented by the so called 'temples' which are found distributed all over Malta and Gozo. During this period, obsidian, flint and red ochre are again found, showing that exchanges with the outside over the sea where still ongoing.

It is also possible that although the community in Malta depended largely on farming it was also supplemented by fish. A depiction of a fish in relief was found in the temple at Bugibba.