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AIAC_1154 - Ta Qali - 2007
The site in question is currently being developed by the United States of America for the construction of a new Embassy in Malta. Early 2007 a report by the Works Division notified the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage regarding some exposed circular holes during site clearance.
Following monitoring by SCH several more circular holes were exposed. In July 2007 a group of archaeologists led by Clive Vella commenced the archaeological excavations of two areas in a site measuring about 200 by 300 m. In the northern part of the site 18 circular pits were excavated. These pits were mutilated through extensive site quarrying, however, their bottle neck shape in section could be made out in the better preserved ones. One of the pits contained a Bronze Age deposit (Borg In-Nadur phase) indicating towards the possibility that the pits were excavated during prehistory and reutlized at a later stage. All of the other pits were infilled with Roman Imperial material dated to 1st century BC. The Roman deposits can be divided into two types: middens and quarrying waste. The midden deposits contained some imported fine wares particularly black slip plates and cup, possibly hailing from Syracuse. Albeit, labour intensive the quarrying waste deposits repeatedly yielded well weather rocks mutilated in a sub angular manner. Considering both deposit types it was possible to interprate that a nearby structure or set of structures were being dismantled whilst a settlement was installed in the Roman Imperial era.
Going around this circular pits area was a rut road that ranged in preservation due to weathering and quarrying. This alignment was followed for 35 m and clearly went around the pits. From British era ordinance survey sheets it has become possible to foresee the alignment. We are currently overlying maps to confirm the route. On the southern side of the ruts a series of vine trenches were uncovered and excavated. Their infilling red soil was of a peaty matrix with some small Roman pottery recovered. Surely, this find can be associated to the previous mention of a Roman Imperial setttlement.
Furthermore, to the south surrounded, and somewhat damaged by quarries are a series of mutilated tombs. These chamber tombs had been quarried for about one metre, and therefore, they lacked roofs. Unfortunately the benches for the dead were for the most part cleared, however, our team ostheologist managed to recover bone material from the gutter trenches with some Late Classical to Early Medieval ceramics. The analysis of the bones is being undertaken currently.
All in all the site of Ta\' Qali yielded a very interesting set of sites that clearly \'lived\' with each other.
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AIAC_1159 - Zebbiegh (ZBH2006) - 2006
The site lies approximately 40 metres south of St Anne\'s Church in Zebbiegh, and had been inspected following the approval of development permit PA 00098/06. The Superintendence had not been informed of this application. Initial inspection indicated the presence of a rock-cut feature filled with debris. Subsequent clearing and investigation has revealed an extensive cluster of significant features including a cave with man-made features, within which medieval ceramics were recovered, extensive quarrying with dimensioned stones still in situ (probably classical) and water management features including rock-cut channels and a large, irregular bell-shaped well. Excavation at the eastern end of the site has revealed surviving tracts of classical flooring, as well as extensive ash deposits including classical ceramics. Features identified include a pit full of ash deposit (probably a classical pottery kiln), associated \"post holes\" and structural features including brick embedded in cut bedrock, tracts of flooring, runs of masonry and a large worked block probably in situ. The limits of the investigation were defined by the limits of the property marked for development. Nevertheless, it is evident that features extend to the east of the property and possibly to the north.
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AIAC_1162 - Ghar Ix-Xih - 2005
Located on the south-east coast of the island of Gozo and overlooking the naturally sheltered and secluded Mġarr ix-Xini bay, Għar ix-Xiħ is hardly conspicuous to the ordinary viewer. But its archaeological potential had already been realised by Italian archaeologists Ugolini and Caprino visiting the site in the 1930s and 1960s respectively. Due attention was again recently accorded to the site when it was decided to subject it to an excavation exercise in order to determine its true nature, use, and date. This excavation forms part of an archaeological survey of Mġarr ix-Xini valley. The survey is one of the projects constituting the Mġarr ix-Xini Valley Regional Park: a joint initiative of the Sannat and Xewkija Local Councils.
The excavation is being carried out by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (which is also carrying out the archaeological survey) together with the Department of Classics and Archaeology of the University of Malta and with the support of the two local councils mentioned. Starting in 2005, the excavation has been going on for the last three seasons (2005 – 7) and is planned to continue in the coming ones.
On the basis of the evidence gathered so far, the site appears to have been a small rural shrine possibly serving both the agricultural community of the neighbourhood and the maritime community making use of the nearby harbour facilities. Foreign contacts are, in fact, also evident on the basis of the material retrieved. Possibly having started as a cave, the site appears to have undergone structural development to be adapted to the changing needs during its long period of use spanning from the 6th century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D. but reaching its peak during the 1st century B.C. – 1st century A.D.
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AIAC_1167 - Saint Paul Square (MDN 2005) - 2005
This excavation was carried out by Clive Vella and Daniel Borg on behalf of ASC Ltd under the direction of the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
Located in the main square of contemporary Mdina, archaeological monitoring uncovered a series of ashlar masonry under less than 20 cms of topsoil. This alignment was followed for ten metres and bounded by a quarrying pit carried out around the 15th century. Excavations uncovered rare Norman and Early Islamic deposits. Also, an Aragonese pit was excavated in full extent. At a depth of almost 4.5 metres excavations uncovered a primary Borg In-Nadur (Mid Bronze Age)that has confirmed the existence of a Bronze Age settlement on the grounds of Mdina.
The archaeological report is still undergoing writing.
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AIAC_1169 - Santa Margerita - 2006
Dept. of Health demolished west perimeter wall of cemetery and removed large volumn of earth and other material from the site. Work not authorised by MEPA. Site first inspected on 15.10.04. A number of large ashlar blocks were found to be disturbed. Some masonry noted still in situ, in standing soil section. Tile and ceramic sherds noted on site.
Excavations were undertaken by ASC Ltd. The stratigraphic sequences preserved in section indicated an earlier use than the Imperial walls. However, during this period some defensive changes might have been undertaken. This site is considered on the same alignment as the Gheriexem Street structure about 3 mins away on foot.
Some Bronze Age deposits were once again uncovered in this site, indicating the extent of use that the Rabat plateau has undergone.
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AIAC_1171 - Tad-Doni - 2004
Monitoring of ongoing development identified stretches of masonry and stratigraphic sequence of archaeological interest; documentation and investigation have to follow; features provisionally datable to Late Antique-Late Medieval period.
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AIAC_1177 - Tal-Mintna (MNT 2008) - 2008
Archaeological excavations were undertaken as per development activity.
Two mutilated tombs, part of a larger catacomb complex, were uncovered in the south eastern periphery of the plot. Being previously looted these tombs were excavated in February 2008.
Six circular pits, probably vats, were also uncovered in the plot. These vats appear to be linked by a series of channels.
The report writing for this activity is currently undergoing.
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AIAC_1181 - Xara Palace - 1999
Archaeological excavations under the Xara Palace in Mdina revealed a stratigraphic sequence ranging from the Early Phoenician to Mid-Medieval stratas.
Importantly, Classical architecture was documented in the foundations of this 18th century palace.
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AIAC_1203 - Burmarrad - 1993
Dense scatter of Republican and Late Roman ceramics, and large ashlar blocks. This site was later investigated in 2002 by ASC uncovering a small sequence of Classical deposits.
This find is vital on the premise that the area of Burmarrad was silted over a long span of time, and therefore, Classical structures can be located on the periphery of the previous watered area.
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AIAC_1678 - Mdina (MDN 2008) - 2008
From the information obtained till present day, it is clear that following the battlement of the late Byzantine period, a further semicircular structure / barbican was constructed in medieval times. It is not sure whether the battlement and the semicircular structure co-existed (still to be defined). However as discussed onsite with Dr Spiteri (Restoration Unit) following the knights’ major
additions of the bastions in the 16th century, it is likely possible that the semicircular structure was dismantled during this period since it was within shot range of the newly added fortifications. The battlement was partially exposed again at a later stage when in the 18th century a buttress was added beneath Verdala Palace.
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AIAC_2565 - Gheriexem (RBT 2009 - 2009
Archaeological Remains at Gheriexem Street, Rabat (Malta)
Archaeological remains were unearthed during renovation works within a 19th Century
house in Gheriexem Street, one of the historical quarters of Rabat (Malta). The remains were
investigated in May of 2009 by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
The archaeological remains were uncovered within a very small area of the house, measuring
3m by 2.5m. Notwithstanding the small area investigated, important structural remains
from the Phoenician and Punic periods were identified and documented. This was the
first instance in which Punic domestic structures from the ancient city of Melita could be
investigated stratigraphically.
The results obtained by means of the stratigraphic investigation were further elaborated by
means of analysis of the ceramic finds by Dr. B. Bechtold, which confirmed that the remains
dated to between the 7th and the 4th Century B.C.
Phoenician occupation – The oldest stratigraphy identified on site consisted of pockets
of clay found over the bedrock, particularly within shallow depressions within the rock’s
surface. This deposit could not be related to any structural remains identified on site.
Ceramics retrieved from this deposit date to the 7th/6th century B.C. indicating a Phoenician
occupation of this part of Rabat since Archaic times. This early, Phoenician occupation of
Rabat is further confirmed by other recent investigations close to the Gheriexem area.
Punic 5th / 4th Century B.C. – The next phase uncovered on site consisted of two walls
and two plaster floors.
The first wall was built of roughly cut stone blocks lying on an East-West axis. The wall was
uncovered to a length of about 2m and survived in part up to two courses in height. The
second wall was built of large, regular stone blocks and was oriented on a North-West to
South-East axis.
The first wall lay at 90º to the second, in a ‘T’ pattern. Parts of two mortar floors were
uncovered to the north and south of the Wall 1. Both floors were very well constructed and
were set over a preparation layer made of sand, stone and crushed plaster. The north floor
was a pale orange in colour and was constructed of pounded ceramic fragments into the
mortar base, similar to a cocciopesto. The south floor had a polished grey finish.
The ceramics found within the floor preparation layers date to between the 5th and 4th
Century B.C.
Later occupations – The Punic structures were badly damaged by the construction of a
house, probably in the 19th Century. Furthermore the modern construction entirely removed
any archaeological remains that may have lain over the Punic structures. Amongst the
residual ceramics found within the foundation layers of the house were various Roman and
Medieval sherds.
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AIAC_941 - Zebbiegh - 2006
The site was identified by officers of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage in the course of an inspection of an ongoing construction site. The first feature to be identified at the site was a subterranean, rock cut chamber and signs of surface quarrying activity. The investigation was subsequently extended to the surrounding areas, uncovering a sequence of rock-cut and masonry features covering an area of 10 by 20 meters. It is however clear that the site is much more extensive than the area investigated in the course of ZBH2006.
The site lies on a strategic ridge which dominates a network of roads linking the lands of Mgarr to the east with the Pwales plain and coastline to the west. It is also an important junction in the network of inland routes which leads from Mdina and the centre of Malta northward towards the Mellieha area. This important crossroad was occupied since the Neolithic and Bronze Age, as attested by the extensive village remains and megalithic structure at Skorba. The present investigation (ZBH2006) has established the existence of significant rural settlements at this cross road even during the Late Hellenistic and Medieval periods.
Phase 1: In the Early Roman period the site consisted of a large, level, open space, possibly rectangular in shape and cut into the rocky side of the ridge. A large hemi-spherical cistern was cut within this open space or yard.
To the SE of this area were uncovered a sequence of features, including rock-cut pits, rectangular basins and channelling. The more important of these features was the base of a kiln's combustion chamber, measuring approximately 1.5 meters deep and 1m in diameter. Traces of the kiln’s superstructure were also found in situ. A second, much smaller kiln seems to have been built against the outside of the first kiln. Part of a rectangular basin or vat with its interior surface covered in a hydraulic plaster was found immediately to the south of the kiln. This complex extends to the east where masonry remains begin to emerge.
This complex is being interpreted as an area of industrial activity, possibly a ceramist's workshop. Should this interpretation be confirmed, ZBH2006 would be the first such ancient industrial installation to be archaeologically identified and investigated in the Maltese islands.
The kiln complex was found sealed under an extensive deposit of black, ashy
earth and stones. This dump contained a rich assortment of Early Roman ceramics in a clear state of primary deposition. The ceramics included a variety of Late Punic amphorae (Types Mana C1 and C2), the Lamboglia 2 and Dressel 1 amphorae, as well as Early Roman Maltese amphorae Type Bruno 1, recently identified . This amphora horizon indicates that the deposition of the stratum (and the consequent abandonment of the kilns) should be dated to between the end of the 2nd and the 1st Century BC. This date is further confirmed by the presence of Black glazed ware A and C (and its local imitations), a fragment of a Hellenistic Megarian bowl and a cooking dish of the Pompeian Red Ware (the ceramic assemblages are currently under study by Bruno, B., Quercia, A. and Cutajar, N).
Phase 2: Late Medieval
The occupation of the site during Late Antiquity is only attested by some residual sherds. Of particular note are a fragment of an Gaza Type amphora and some fragments of Sigillata Africana D which suggest the site was re-occupied by an early Byzantine settlement between the 6th and 7th Cent AD.
However the site seems to have subsequently hosted a significant Late Middle Ages re-settlement. This phase of occupation is best documented by the fill of the spherical Early Roman cistern referred to earlier. The fill consisted of an organic earth mixed with rubble and domestic refuse. The ceramic assemblage recovered from this fill included various reconstructable vessels of Sicilian Proto-Maiolica Monochroma Bruno. The maiolica forms belonging to this class are closely comparable to material recovered from Brucato which has been dated to the first half of the 14th Century. The ceramic assemblage from this fill also included a range of local, handmade coarse-wares (mainly of open forms), including vessels with painted decorations and others with a red slip.
This evidence for a Late Medieval occupation at Zebbiegh can be tentatively associated with the establishment of new rural estates or fiefs in the inner reaches of the Mgarr Valley by the early Aragonese period. From documentary sources it is known that by the early 16th Century these estates at Zebbiegh had passed into the possession of noble families such as those of Cassia and Cumbo, who were also responsible for the foundation of Zebbiegh's earliest documented chapel, namely that of the Nativity of the Virgin. The 14th Cent deposits at ZBH2006 seem to document an early stage in this process of re-occupation of the landscape in the Late Medieval period.