https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57053 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:58:53 GMT 2026-04-08T04:58:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64283 Title: Case study of the Admiral : an example of monitoring a 20th-century steel tugboat and the involvement of citizen science in maritime archaeology Abstract: Shipwrecks and other underwater cultural heritage sites need to be monitored appropriately to be protected and preserved for future generations. There are many methods to preserve underwater sites properly; however, most of the methods do not focus on low visibility, cold temperature sites with specific time constraints, and budget. The goal of this study was to compare the results from two possible methods, photogrammetry and citizen science, and establish if either method could be used to monitor the Admiral adequately. The Admiral is a significant site within Lake Erie due to its devastating story and unique ship design. The photogrammetry method was inspired by the work done on the Oostvoornse Meer 8, while the citizen science data was acquired from The Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST). MAST is an accomplished underwater archaeology citizen science group located in Lake Erie. Both methods were tested with a low budget and a limited time period. The results of each method yielded noteworthy results and concluded that both methods need to be further explored for more conclusive results. Description: M.A.GLOBAL MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64283 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64282 Title: Monitoring of underwater archaeological sites with the use of 3D photogrammetry and legacy data : case study : HMS Maori (Malta) Abstract: A photogrammetric survey has proven to be a reliable method for documenting underwater archaeological sites. Still, the potential which photogrammetry could have in the monitoring of underwater cultural heritage has been just briefly discussed in the past. The purpose of this dissertation is to test if a cost-effective and time-efficient monitoring scheme can be created, for a modern shipwreck site such as HMS Maori, by using photogrammetry and legacy data. The credibility of legacy data (old video footage) was explored, alongside software capable of producing deviation analysis (Cloud Compare). Some of the key findings of this research confirmed that it is possible to geo-reference and extract information from legacy data 3D models by using the method of ‘common points’ (PhotoScan/Metashape). Also, a comparative study confirmed that deviation analysis could generate quantitative data of an underwater archaeological site. This research demonstrated that a reliable monitoring scheme could be constructed with the help of legacy data and deviation analysis. The application of this methodology provided a better understanding of the change that is continuously happening at the shipwreck site of HMS Maori. A possibility to track site formation processes gives a chance for creating a proper management plan. Ultimately, this dissertation recommends various actions to be undertaken in the forthcoming period, such as: the On-site Conservation Survey, monitoring of the site and its further degradation (Citizen Science) and others. Description: M.A.GLOBAL MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64282 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62846 Title: Vine trenches in the Maltese landscape : an analysis of rock-cut agricultural features in southeast Malta Abstract: Vine trenches are a common feature in Malta and are often discovered during excavation for building development. They are a series of trenches cut into the bedrock to cultivate vines, by giving the roots a healthier environment to sustain the growing of grapes. Vine trenches are not widely studied in archaeology as there is lack of interest, and for some time, they were not considered of high archaeological value because they were often considered to be modern. However, the discovery and revelation of many of these features beneath the Żejtun Roman Villa has changed how they are viewed as they can date from any period. Therefore, the research is focused on the south-east region of Żejtun-Bulebel and examined the vine trenches of the villa and three other sites which also contained these features. The study aimed to investigate three aspects about the vine trenches of these sites. Firstly, to create a typology of trenches for each site by examining the dimensions, orientation, and shape. Secondly, to interpret a date of the vine trenches by examining any dateable cultural material associated with them. The third aim was to establish a relationship between the sites by observing the similarities by comparing the typologies, dating, orientations, and dimensions together. The research was carried out by presenting primary source documentation into catalogues, thus showing the characteristics of the vine trenches. Eight vinetrenching patterns were recognised in the data, and dating was possible for two of the four sites, which could date back to between the Punic and Roman period. On the other hand, all four sites do not have any relation that possibly connects any site with another due to the different contexts of the vine trenches. Description: B.A.(HONS)ARCHAEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62846 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62840 Title: A study of fingerprint impressions and the manufacturing process used for the production of Punic-Roman pottery excavated from Tas-Silġ, Malta Abstract: This research is an attempt to interpret what fingerprint impressions found on the surface of ceramic ware, excavated from a midden dating to the Late Punic/Early Roman period at Tas-Silġ Sanctuary, can tell us about the potters and/or their assistants who were involved in their manufacture, as well as to identify what manufacturing methods and techniques were adopted in the production of the pottery. Although an abundance of pottery sherds dating to the Punic-Roman period at the Tas-Silġ site has been unearthed, archaeological evidence of a local potter’s workshop remains elusive. The study was based on two random samples selected from a multitude of pottery sherds that were excavated from a number of middens discovered at the site between 1996 and 2005. Fingerprint impressions can potentially unlock details about the individuals who handled the semi-processed clay objects, such as their age bracket, their sex, and health. The pottery sherds can also provide us with details about the manufacture process, such as: the quality of production; the level of care shown during production; and the level of craftsmanship and artistry. Inscriptions incised on the pottery also provide us with an insight on their language and spiritual beliefs. The outcome of the study was that although a number of fingerprint impressions were identified, they lacked sufficient ridge clarity, and were too small in number to have been sufficient for statistical analysis which could have enabled us to be conclusive about any findings with any reasonable level of confidence. Any future research on the analysis of fingerprints would necessarily need to be based on a much larger sample size in view of the poor surface conditions of the pottery sherds and the lack of clear fingerprints. Description: B.A.(HONS)ARCHAEOLOGY Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/62840 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z