Current Affairs

Discovery of new remains at Tas-Silġ archaeological site

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Excavations being carried out at Tas-Silġ archaeological site have led to more discoveries of remains linked to religious activities.

This was stated by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici during an event at Tas-Silġ in Marsaxlokk. Dr Bonnici said these discoveries will shed light on the customs and living conditions of our ancestors. The Minister added that this information will be made available to the public, whilst also providing more information on the works carried out during archaeological excavations.

The famous temple of Astarte referred to by Cicero, and from which artefacts were stolen by Caius Verres, was sited here. Part of this site, faling within the category of a ‘farm’, is intended for restoration in order to be transformed into a visitor centre. This centre is planned to offer a better service to visitors to this site, through digital interpretation.

These excavations are being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies at the University of Malta, which is taking advantage of the excavations to train students in archaeological practices. There is close collaboration, both at Tas-Silġ and at other sites, with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.