From ancient predecessors to bloody wars, Malta’s history is famous the world over. What some might not always realise is that the remnants of our past are not exactly what one expects them to be.
Malta’s seabed is as vast as it is inaccessible and exploring it is not small feat. Within its 12 nautical mile territorial waters, the island is responsible for over 3,000 square kilometers of seafloor—nearly 10 times the land area. Considering its occupation and probable continuous habitation over the past 7,500 years, it is guaranteed that many underwater heritage sites remain undiscovered. However, at the University of Malta, Dr Timmy Gambin and his team, consisting of researchers from the Department of Classics and Archaeology and from the Faculty of Science, are developing a new strategy to make the job more manageable.
Researchers split the stages of work into 3 M’s; mapping the seabed, managing sites, and monitoring them. In the mapping phase, they use sonar devices to survey 25km2 sections of the seabed before stitching them together to produce images, from which they can identify target sites. In management, they determine which targets they need to prioritise and focus on. During the final stage which involves monitoring, the researchers work in close collaboration with various entities, both locally and overseas, to develop methods and tools that will allow them to keep a close eye on Malta’s underwater cultural heritage, including detection of illicit activity.
Investigating more of Malta’s undiscovered past submerged beneath the waves will help elevate its importance to that of sites on land, and provide a deeper understanding of Malta’s history and its relationship with the sea.
Read the full article at: www.um.edu.mt/think/history-beneath-the-blue.
Read the full article at: www.um.edu.mt/think/history-beneath-the-blue.