Malta

Abstract

The attention given to archaeological remains within the towns and villages of the Maltese islands has varied through time, mostly as a result of prevailing social and cultural conditions. Ever since the 16th and 17th centuries, when various important discoveries had first been noted and published, the islands have experienced a steady transformation of their landscape as a result of a rapid infrastructural expansion. Urbanisation has been the most conspicuous feature of this transformation. During the post-World War II period, the archipelago experienced a sudden and much more accelerated growth in its building and tourism industries, which, together with a population boom, has left an indelible effect on some of the more important historic town and village centres. At present, after a ninety year existence, the Museums Department is undergoing an operations review. The following pages reflect some of the concepts that have been central to several discussions held recently within the National Museum of Archaeology, the nucleus of the Archaeology Section of the Museums Department which is entrusted with the superintendence of Malta's archaeological remains. It is hoped that the ensuing suggestions will provide a set of possible approaches to the establishment of a more tangible set of policies, operational frameworks and legislation that are urgently required in the sphere of Malta's heritage management