Department of Classics & Archaeology

Tas-Silġ

Tas-Silġ

Tas-Silġ Excavation Project (1996-2005)

Institution: Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta

Directors: Prof. Anthony Bonanno (1996-2005), Prof. Anthony J. Frendo (1996-1999)
Assistant Director: Dr Nicholas Vella (2000-2005)

Main sponsors: University of Malta, Din L-Art Ħelwa, the OTS Foundation; additional sponsors: Simonds Farsons Cisk plc., Calypso Manufacturing Ltd, Brandstätter Group Malta, Marsovin Ltd, Portanier Brothers Ltd, H. H. Ltd, Bitburger Brauerei of Germany, The Mediterranean Academy for Diplomatic Studies and Ms Mabel Brook.

Tas-Silġ is a multi-period sanctuary site located in the south-eastern part of the island of Malta, close to Marsaxlokk harbour. The site has a long history of antiquarian research and archaeological excavation. The Missione Archeologica Italiana carried out excavations between 1963 and 1970, identified the site with the famous sanctuary to Juno (Astarte of the Phoenicians) mentioned in Cicero’s Verrine Orations and given coordinates in Ptolemy’s Geography. The Italian team resumed work on site in 1997. In 1996 the University of Malta started its own excavation project in the area south of the main sanctuary complex consisting of four trenches, A to D.

The University of Malta excavations at Tas-Silġ have been instrumental in the development of archaeological research and study in the Maltese islands. Besides offering excavation experience to undergraduate and graduate archaeology students, a specialist team has adopted a diverse range of archaeological and scientific methods to study the wealth of material recovered and attempt environmental reconstruction. The final report of the excavation has been published by Peeters (Leuven, Belgium).

 


https://www.um.edu.mt/arts/classics-archaeo/ourresearch/tas-silg/