Methodology and documentation techniques

Abstract

The present study approached its research agenda in a multi-disciplinary and multi-pronged manner, using both traditional methods of recording and investigation, and current archaeological theory for analysing, criticizing, and interpreting the data and the literature review. This combined approach enabled the authors to liberate themselves from getting entangled in onesided views that constricted many of the previous writers and research on the subject. Instead of proposing a hypothesis and then attempt to find data that corroborates the hypothesis, the researchers initially set out to record the sites containing cart-ruts, as well as other details, such as features that are in close proximity. The recording was carried out without entering into the merits of whether the features are actually associated (that is, whether they pertain to the same period and their function is related to each other). At the same time the process of this purely methodological exercise allowed a natural creative thought process to develop. Consequently, during the repetitive recording of the various sites a series of questions, patterns, and lacunae started to develop and were noted for later discussion as presented here. This liberal thought process allowed the researchers to develop several, often conflicting, questions and possible interpretations. All are considered valid for the purpose of this study as no answer is considered as the absolute solution for all the cart-ruts on the Maltese Islands. We must therefore look for a diversity of interpretations and solutions for the many cart-rut sites and perhaps also for each of the cart-ruts even within the same site as they may have been used during different periods for different purposes.