The lure of the antique : essays on Malta and Mediterranean archaeology in honour of Anthony Bonanno

Abstract

The Maltese islands occupy a distinctive place in the knowledgescape of antiquarianism and archaeology. Exceptional prehistoric monuments and extraordinary remains from later periods - Phoenician, Punic, and Roman - have continued to lure researchers to this tiniest of Mediterranean archipelagos. This collection of twenty-four papers is presented to an outstanding scholar, Anthony Bonanno, by his colleagues, former students, and friends to celebrate his remarkable achievements in the study of ancient Malta. The papers reflect his broad range of interests over a career spanning fifty years that in many respects shaped the direction of archaeology on the islands. They bridge prehistoric and classical studies, and tackle diverse topics that place the archipelago in its Mediterranean context: antiquarianism, paleo-ecology, contextual studies, art and architecture, artefact studies, technology, economy and identity. An epilogue written by a number of friends is a reflection of the honorand's passion for travel, discovery and engagement with people from all walks of life.