Themistocles Zammit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Themistocles Zammit
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Bust of Zammit at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
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| Born | 30 September 1864 Valletta, Malta
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| Died | 2 November 1935 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Archaeologist, historian, medical doctor, academic, writer |
| Spouse(s) | Aloisia Barbaro di San Giorgio |
| Children | Charles and Sophia Zammit |
Sir Themistocles "Temi" Zammit (born September 30, 1864 – died November 2, 1935) was a very important Maltese scientist. He was a medical doctor, a professor of chemistry, a researcher, and a writer. He was also a famous archaeologist and historian.
Sir Temi Zammit led the Royal University of Malta as its Rector from 1920 to 1926. He also became the first Director of the National Museum of Archaeology in his hometown, Valletta.
Contents
A Life of Discovery and Service
Sir Temi Zammit studied medicine at the University of Malta. After that, he went to London and Paris to learn more about bacteriology. This is the study of tiny living things called bacteria and how they affect health.
Fighting Disease in Malta
In 1905, Zammit made a huge discovery. He found out that a serious illness called undulant fever (also known as brucellosis) was spreading through contaminated goat's milk. This fever was making many people sick in Malta. His discovery helped stop the spread of the disease. Because of his amazing work, which saved many lives, he was honored with a knighthood. This meant he could be called "Sir."
Writer and Explorer of the Past
Besides his scientific work, Sir Temi Zammit was also a talented writer. He wrote many books and articles in the Maltese language. Oxford University even gave him a special degree for his writing.
He was knighted in 1930. Before that, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Sir Temi Zammit also wrote a history book about the Maltese islands. He was very passionate about exploring ancient sites. He led important digs at famous places like the Hypogeum. He also excavated the huge stone temples of Tarxien Temples, Ħaġar Qim, and Mnajdra. These ancient sites are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, meaning they are very important to the world's history.
Sir Temi Zammit's Lasting Impact
Sir Temi Zammit's careful and scientific way of doing archaeology made him famous around the world.
Museum and University Honors
You can see some of the amazing things he found at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. These displays show how much he contributed to understanding Malta's past.
The main hall at the University of Malta is named after him. The Sir Temi Zammit Hall is a large room used for lectures, plays, and student graduation ceremonies.
Commemorative Coins
Sir Temi Zammit's image has appeared on two special Maltese coins. One was a 1 Pound (Lm1) coin from 1973, and the other was a 5 Pounds (Lm5) coin from 2006. Both coins are made of silver and show his face along with the years he was born and died.
He often signed his work with his initials, T. Z.
