Kurt Sansone
Call to preserve ancient cemetery on hospital site
An archaeologist (left) on site with Joe Cassar. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.
Joe Cassar, the former Nationalist parliamentary secretary and magistrate, has called on the government to preserve the Bulebel site where ancient tombs were recently discovered during construction work.
The number of rock-cut tombs found on the site of the planned new Saint James Hospital, in the outskirts of Żejtun, has risen to 12 making the area a veritable Punic cemetery.
Archaeologists believe more could be unearthed as the investigations on the site progress.
Most of the tombs, that could date as far back as 600 BC, were found damaged but the more recent finds have revealed intact structures. In some of them shards of human bone were also discovered.
Dr Cassar, who is a resident in nearby Tarxien, has long maintained an interest in cultural and historical heritage.
Speaking to The Times, he called for the site's protection since it was another link in a whole chain of discoveries in the Żejtun/Tarxien area: "A site like this should be protected. It is a necropolis. There seem to be 15 tombs in this particular site alone and there may be more."
A total of 29 tombs have been found throughout the years between Żejtun and Tarxien. An interesting aspect in this particular find is the discovery of vine trenches dug up around the tombs. Whoever dug them up took great care in not disturbing the tombs, Dr Cassar said.
With the discovery of these trenches, the Bulebel site has unearthed a very rudimentary form of agricultural practice. However, it is unclear whether they were built at the same time the tombs were hewn or whether they came later.
The Żejtun-Tarxien cradle is considered to be an archaeological hotspot. In 1993, trenching works at Tal-Barrani Road uncovered an intact Punic tomb where human skeletons were found. After the site was investigated by archaeologists it was re-buried under the road.
"Even the place names give an indication of the richness of the area," Dr Cassar said.
Names such as Hirbet Landar, with hirbet meaning ruins, and Landar tat-Terraxija, terraxija meaning stone carving from which the name Tarxien is probably derived, are indications of the area's importance, according to Dr Cassar.
"Who is responsible for development should be more careful and think ahead."
But for hospital developer Josie Muscat, the find is another stumbling block in the long road to acquiring a permit for the new hospital.
"When the remains were found it wasn't good news for me," Dr Muscat admitted.
Describing the tombs as a "big obstacle", he said work on the site has been suspended since July. However, his patience seems to be running out.
"We are paying the archaeologists, who are investigating the ruins but there is a limit to how long we can continue like this especially when we don't know what will happen to this project or to this site," he said.
Dr Muscat insisted it has always been his dream to build a hospital in the south. He still wants to go ahead with the project but if he "keeps finding obstacles, interest would be lost".
Asked what he would do given a choice between preserving the site and pursuing his dream, he said: "One needs to determine what historical value the tombs have. It is true we are going back to around 600 BC but most of them are disturbed. There are two or three that could be of interest and if we find some way of preserving them I am even ready to do my part. But if the whole area is of national archaeological importance, they should just tell me and I will stop. I wish somebody would tell me what to do," he said.
The site of the new hospital had been disturbed in the 1960s when a milk factory was constructed in the area.
Watch the story of the tombs on timesofmalta.com.
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Joe Xuereb
Feb 13th 2009, 12:48
@ Martin Farrugia. You are right. Nobody invests money for the sheer heck of it. This kind of investment is made to make more money. Of course a developer can soften people by referring to them, patronizingly, as his soft spot. Vote grabbing could be part of the agenda. And silly people insisting on having a hospital on their door-step fall for it every time. And so the philistinism has come full circle. To the detriment of the people of Malta who give a heck - to use your word - for their heritage. It is much more than a hole in the ground you know. Did you have to make your philistinism so glaringly obvious? And sadly, seemingly obliviouys to your mindset?
Moyra Sammut
Feb 12th 2009, 10:53
Its in the interest of the government that archeological finds such as the necropolis are preserved. Its one more historical discovery that makes our island so special and attractive to tourists.
Our island, a tiny piece of rock in the Mediterranean, prolifically appears in many ways; from timelines to tomes, from Homer to the Bible, from poets like Lord Byron to WWII. Malta's notoriety and significance to the world has to be preserved in every way, even if it means losing a private hospital which at the end of the day, will generate private funds only.
Joe Cassar should be commended for his gallant efforts to save our national heritage. So little support is given to preserve such wonderful finds which more often than not fall to wreck and ruin. The goverment should realise that if properly managed and marketed our archeolical sites could generate respectable revenue.
lgalea
Feb 10th 2009, 22:00
Kevin C Zammit
ANY investor first and foremost invests for his own profits, not out of benevolence to others.
Thomas Grech
Feb 10th 2009, 16:52
@Kevin C Zammit
Unfortunately it is because of people with your mentality that we have lost so much of our heritage. it is frightening to read comments such as yours in this day and age. It's not as if we are short of building areas. We are the envy of much larger countries because of our unique history and yet here we are destroying our heritage in exchange for money and greed.
Dr. Muscat has put our minds somewhat at rest when he stated that he will abide by the decision of archaeological experts.
Kevin C Zammit
Feb 10th 2009, 16:37
For all those that would like to preserve this site, why don't you ask for the demolition of half of the houses and establishments in Malta ? Remains are all around us, this country has history but we can't compromise the future because of history. Preserving would mean having another piece of land abandoned like we have near the Roman Villa Car Park in Rabat. This is a situation where we have a potential investor that is willing to contribute to the country's economy and is being stopped for something that is said to be conserved - yeah as if all the remains ever found in this country were all conserved.
victor vella
Feb 10th 2009, 11:45
OK so we have another site with archaeological remains, and I know something about the importance from having been involved on the Tal Barrani excavation and also on the New Brandt factory at halfar.It seems that now the triangle is complete or rather new studies need to be taken up.But I ask one question.Who will foot the bill for re paying the developer for the expences allready incurred?
Ray Sultana
Feb 10th 2009, 11:43
This site should definately be preserved.
A fund should be set up to enable the government to adequately compensate the owners of land where archeological sites are found. At present, owners fear that their property would be taken over without compensation and so are tempted to hide (or destroy) any archeological sites or artefacts found during the excavation of a plot of land. Instaed owners should be encouraged to reveal any findings, knowing that they would be compensated in an adequate and TIMELY manner (not after 20/30 years!).
Given that any archeological find is a national treasure, the State should step in, take over the site and compensate the owners. After all, today we are able to enjoy (and promote to tourists) the Hypogeum, Tarxien and other temples because the government of the day was wise enough to step in and preserve the sites.
Anna Farrugia
Feb 10th 2009, 11:31
Thank you Dr Cassar for bringing this to light - you are a true gentleman who truely loves his motherland. I totally agree with Martin Farrugia. Why shouldn't Dr Muscat be given another site? Shame on whoever was in power in 1993 and all those concerned to let the intact Punic tomb after being investigated by archaeologists to re-bury in under the road.
Will the Maltese ever learn?
Kevin Zammit
Feb 10th 2009, 11:27
@Chris
Josie is being more than reasonable. So many other projects just smashed everything or covered things up including government projects because the contractor wanted to continue.
This happened mostly under the British. Look at the Rabat-Citta Notabile area. I find it hard to believe that petrol station did not hit anything or all the houses built there. In fact all of half of Rabat.
If the tombs are empty then they will only be another 3 of the hundreds that dot the island. Conserving a sample is more than enough.
oliver cini
Feb 10th 2009, 11:19
what about a structure where is standing on pillars and the tombs closed in glass it has been done before in Rome . Josie if you are a really good business men you can make money out of both while still doing your project .make pillars where there is nothing and make an elevated hospital. the parking could be done in anther site .An Mepa officials should be more creative in this rispect anther hospital would surely help more.
J.I.Camilleri
Feb 10th 2009, 11:16
I find it surprising, even mildly shocking, to see that it is a public-spirited citizen like Dr Cassar who has to sound the alarm. I would have expected Government to step in immediately in the circumstances and make the necessary arrangements for checking the archaeological value of the findings and proceeding from there, irrespective of whoever is carrying out the construction. Permits are, or should be, given on condition that archaeological remains are notified, not disturbed and even protected until appropriate action is decided. Those things are not for sale along with the land - they belong to the country.
Martin Farrugia
Feb 10th 2009, 11:15
Once the importance of the site is assessed, a decision should be taken whether to go ahead with project or preserve the site. It is not fair to let developers hang on without any direction. Such projects cost money and no one invests money for the sheer heck of it. If it is decided that the site should be preserved then so be it, but the developer should be given an alternative site.
f.grima
Feb 10th 2009, 10:39
Dr. Josie Muscat is paying the archaeologist. Who will assess the site finally?
lgalea
Feb 10th 2009, 10:11
MEPA, we want the site preserved as an archeological site.
Too many archeological sites have been destroyed for far too long.
Chris Finch
Feb 10th 2009, 09:48
These should be preserved.
It will be to Malta's eternal shame if this site is lost.
If Josie Muscat continues his destruction of this site, I hope in future years when he is in the ground someone decides to build on his tomb. How would you like it.