From funerary rituals to millennia-old recipes, Heritage Malta is bringing St Paul’s Catacombs back to life. Principal curator for Phoenician, Roman and medieval sites David Cardona gives Iggy Fenech a preview of what patrons will experience during Mortem.
It’s often easy to forget that many of the historic sites we visit today used to be functioning spaces used by people just like us for everyday things. Those traditions evolved over time and became the customs of our generation – whether it’s in the kitchen, in government or at the time of death.
Now, Heritage Malta’s upcoming event at St Paul’s Catacombs will strip away the veneer of history and take the focus off the information plaques to bring the past back to life in the sounds, tastes, scents and views of our forefathers.
Held on would have been the last day of the Roman feast of Agape, which was observed by a meal in commemoration of their dead, Mortem will be characterised by funerary rituals dating back over 2,000 years, reenactments of ancient military drills, and food cooked according to Roman customs in a time-defying journey that will appeal to both children and adults.
“More than that, this will be a day in which people can expect to increase their knowledge of the catacombs and the various stories that have evolved around these underground sites,” says David Cardona, principal curator for Phoenician, Roman and medieval sites for Heritage Malta.
This will be a day in which people can expect to increase their knowledge of the catacombs and the various stories that have evolved around these underground sites
“They will also learn how the Romans buried their dead and why such rituals were carried out. Meanwhile, Roman military history will come to life through the group Legio X Fretensis, an official reenactment group based on the legion founded by Augustus Caesar in 41BC. And, while some may wonder what the Roman army has to do with death, it’s good to point out that some artefacts recovered during various excavations at the tombs and catacombs in Rabat point to some of these burials belonging to soldiers.”
For the history buffs among us, talks will also be held on the day: one by Legio X Fretensis on Roman soldiers, another by Glen Farrugia on visitors and the catacombs, and one by David himself about the stories and traditions that developed from these sites. Moreover, the day will come to an end with a faithful reenactment of some of the most salient parts of a Roman funeral – customs which have probably not been seen or experienced for millennia.
“Also, during the day, the food stall will be selling drinks and food based on actual Roman recipes taken from the work of Apicius, a classical writer who left us a cookbook with almost 500 recipes,” says David. “There will be something for everyone, including spiced wine and a refreshing drink made from honey that can be taken with spelt pudding. Other, more substantial meals will include dishes with fish, lamb and chicken, as well as a vegetarian dish.”
Mortem, which means ‘death’ in Latin, will be held at the newly renovated St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat – renovations which have proven to be some of the most substantial in over 120 years. In fact, these restorations, through the Archaeological Heritage Conservation Project and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, has allowed Heritage Malta to conduct various studies on the edifice, hold structural surveys, and even run an extensive archaeological excavation which uncovered most of the items displayed in the new Visitors’ Centre.
“Nevertheless, a large portion of this project was devoted to building new, state-of-the-art visitor facilities, including new passages, a new Visitors’ Centre and regain accessibility to catacombs that have always been closed to the public,” he says.
The most exciting part of any visitor’s day will probably be St Augustine’s Catacombs opened to visitors for the first time, giving patrons a unique look at the intimate catacombs that once dotted the area of modern day Rabat.
Personally, however, it’s the pricetag that I find the most noteworthy. At just €2 per person, anyone from students to pensioners, and families to groups, can make this a memorable day out, experiencing Malta’s rich history and the legacy of the Romans at first hand.
It also allows many to see the great work being done by Heritage Malta to protect our communal history and the places that helped shape our past and continue to shape our present.
As an educational experience for children, a unique opportunity for foodies and what could possible be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those interested in history, Mortem is an unmissable event for all the family.
Mortem takes place on February 21 at St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat.
www.heritagemalta.org