Move to protect new archaeological discoveries at Rabat

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is taking steps to protect archaeological discoveries that have come to light in Rabat.

The SCH is concerned that unauthorised works can have a negative impact on sensitive archaeological remains, unless proper measures are taken.

Recent works undertaken at St Margaret Cemetery have uncovered extensive and significant archaeological remains. These include large stone blocks similar to those at the Roman Domus, just across the street.

A short stretch of wall has also been uncovered, as well as a rectangular rock-cut feature which may be an Arab or medieval tomb. An amount of Roman pottery has already been identified on the site. SCH said the works at the cemetery were not covered by a development permit from MEPA, and were causing serious damage to the archaeological remains on the site.

Officers from the Superintendence and MEPA intervened to protect the archaeological remains and to stop the unauthorised works.

The site itself is located in an area that is considered by MEPA to be one of archaeological importance.

SCH said that the Rabat area was extremely rich in archaeological remains.

It was generally believed that the Roman city of Melite covered much of the area which is today occupied by Mdina and also by the older parts of Rabat.

The Superintendence said that beneath many of Malta's towns and villages lay some of the country's most important heritage assets.

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a World Heritage Site, as well as numerous catacombs that were extremely important for the history of Christianity, lay a few metres beneath streets and gardens.

It added that this factor was often overlooked during development with trenching works, building development as well as clearing of urban spaces for development purposes often leading to the unearthing of important archaeological remains.

Unless these are treated with the care that they deserved, a great deal of valuable information will be at risk of being irretrievably lost, SCH said.