Remnants of a popular game dating back to the era of the Knights of St John are believed to have been unearthed in St George's Square, Valletta.

A stone slab with a hole in the middle was discovered in the centre of the square during excavations as part of its overhaul.

Claude Borg, the executive coordinator of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, said the hole would be covered with a thick glass pane, sturdy enough for people to walk on.

It is believed the stone slab was used to secure a pole used for the annual carnival game kukkanja (the maypole). This game, introduced by Grand Master Marc Antonio Zondadari in 1721, involved a pole with a number of obstacles, including branches but also baskets full of eggs, fowl, puddings, rabbits, hams and sausages. Anyone who managed to climb the pole and reach any of the items could take them. At the top of the pole was a globe made of hoops covered with linen cloth, with a flag sporting the Grand Master's coat of arms.

Whoever managed to grab the flag and give it to the Grand Master was awarded a cash prize.