More remains of Punic-Roman fortress found at Mdina

William Attard McCarthy

May 4th 2010, 23:05

What a marvellous find! However, placing this wall into the Punic-Roman era would be something I am quite unsure of. Yes, Melite was a walled city with walls extending as far out as where the main Rabat church stands today (in fact behind the church still lies a part of the ditch/moat that used to defend the main entrance to Melite). The city underwent various modification through the times, especially during the medieval ages (pre Order of St John era).

The distinctive "embossing" seen on these stones was prevalently used between the 13th and 14th century, and never employed by the Romans (who used far larger blocks). This embossing technique was again used by the Knights during the latter stages of their stay in Malta (as can be seen in certain parts of Fort Ricasoli).

Denis A. Darmanin

May 4th 2010, 19:38

This is most interesting. However, having followed the course of past excavations at Mdina, especially in the courtyard of Vilhena Palace, St Publius Square, Vilegaignon Street and in St Paul Square, was most disappointing to see all excavations refilled other to the one in the palace's courtyard; which lacks interpretation.
Whenever I travel, one of my interests is to visit such remains and have visited one particular location twice. Right in the middle of Michaelerplatz in Vienna, directly before the entrance to the Hofburg Palace complex, a large area has been excavated to produce a permanent exhibition of a fusion of remains of the Roman period and of the Middle Ages. All sections have large bronze lables and an interpretation panel relates the history of the remains.
For photos of the site, visit here: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM7NRP_Roman_ruins_Vienna_Austria

Why can't we have similar in Malta?

Jesmond Micallef

May 4th 2010, 19:28

Very Interesting indeed. Somewhat reminds me of the original entrance to Mdina which can still be seen in the form of a stone frame on the right hand side of the current entrance.

These archeological discoveries are very important indeed because as correctly said they shed light on previous construction and techniques.

Nice.

I. Gatt

May 4th 2010, 17:47

Excellent news, and this feature must now be made known to the public by appropriately sited placards including data as per age, methodology of construction, typical final design at time of original construction and so on. We are confident that funding can be sought from the EU in this regard.

Joe Xuereb

May 4th 2010, 16:41

@ Jonathan Calleja. Go on! admit it. You wanted to see your name in print.

Paul A Vella

May 4th 2010, 15:34

@ Jonathan Calleja....One simple question "Why do you say that Malta is now destroying history? Nothing is being destroyed in this case...light is being simply shed on Malta's past and this should be encouraged and not criticised for the simple sake of being negative about the whole matter!!

Jonathan Calleja

May 4th 2010, 15:14

Once Malta made History . Now Malta destroys History.