https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6021 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:12:43 GMT 2026-10-23T00:12:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150281 Title: When time is of the essence — recording an underwater excavation at 110 m Authors: Gambin, Timmy; Sausmekat, Maja; Wood, John; Hyttinen, Kari Abstract: Underwater archaeological excavations present unique challenges, particularly when conducted at significant depths where divers face limited time on the archaeological site. Traditional methods of recording excavation progress, such as manual documentation and drawings, are too time-consuming when the time on the site totals no more than 12 min. To address these limitations, this paper introduces an innovative approach for daily recording and observation of underwater archaeological excavations using 3D photogrammetric models and point of view (PoV) cameras developed specifically for the excavation of a shipwreck situated at a depth of 110 m. The proposed system leverages advancements in photogrammetry and 3D modelling techniques to capture and analyse detailed visual data of the excavation site on a daily basis. Three-dimensional photogrammetric models offer a comprehensive and easily accessible representation of the excavation site, enabling the team to record and analyse excavation levels and features in a highly precise and detailed manner. By comparing the 3D models captured on consecutive days, researchers can precisely measure changes in the excavation area, identify new artifacts or structures, and record the progress of the excavation. The PoV cameras contribute to the planning of daily tasks required on the site. Overall, this paper showcases innovative methods for underwater archaeological excavations at significant depths, employing 3D photogrammetric models for daily recording as well as PoV cameras for observation. The proposed system represents a substantial advancement in the field of underwater archaeology, offering a more accurate, efficient, and reliable approach to documenting and analysing excavation progress, whilst also producing results that can be subsequently adapted and applied to other deep water archaeological sites. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150281 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150067 Title: Underwater cultural heritage in Kuwait : out of sight, out of mind? Abstract: In 2001, the world’s oldest known sea vessel remains, dated between 5500 and 5000 BCE, were discovered at a terrestrial archaeological site north of Kuwait Bay. Related ceramic finds included a miniature boat model and a circular disc decorated with a sailing vessel. Despite evidence of nautical technology dating back to the Arabian Neolithic, the extent of underwater cultural heritage within the State of Kuwait’s territorial waters remains unclear. The first archaeological mission dedicated to investigating underwater cultural heritage (UCH) in Kuwait took place between 2013 and 2019, during which members of the Kuwaiti-Polish Archaeological Mission (KPAM) surveyed and documented various stone structures along the coastline of Failaka Island. Although the mission marked a crucial step in evaluating archaeological features embedded in the maritime landscape, a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted, ‘The investigation did not extend underwater; it was limited to the foreshore and intertidal zone.’ (Khalil 2021, p. 14). Kuwait ratified the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2017. However, there are no maritime or underwater archaeologists working in academia, heritage, tourism, science, or industry, hindering the effective protection and management of UCH. Meanwhile, news articles about UCH are rare, suggesting the public is poorly informed. This multimedia dissertation—drawing on action-based research and utilising audio visual elements—delves into Kuwait's nascent maritime archaeology sector to understand why it is underdeveloped. It examines the UCH research landscape with a particular focus on Failaka Island, engages with experts in archaeology and complementary fields, and surveys scuba divers and heritage practitioners. A marine archaeology forum in Kuwait co-organised by the author demonstrates that interest in the topic can be fostered among different groups and that stakeholders in Kuwait’s latent UCH value chain can be unified. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150067 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149526 Title: Sea to stone : tracing human-maritime dynamics in Neolithic Malta Abstract: The Neolithic megalithic temples of Malta represent some of the earliest monumental architecture in the world, and while their relationship to the surrounding sea has often been acknowledged, it has rarely been examined in detail. This study investigates the connection between Holocene sea-level change, coastal accessibility, and temple placement through an interdisciplinary approach integrating a Malta-specific relative sea-level reconstruction, palaeoshoreline modelling, GIS-based spatial analysis, archaeological evidence, and (palaeo) environmental data. During the later Temple Period, results indicate a shift toward increased use of coastal settings, with site placement expanding to sheltered bays, maritime visibility, and accessible approach routes from Sicily. These patterns suggest intentional maritime engagement and an understanding of local marine conditions rather than purely opportunistic movement. The transition toward coastal construction is interpreted as the result of interacting factors, including mid-Holocene sea-level stabilisation, changing environmental pressures, soil/sediment redistribution, freshwater availability, and evolving connectivity networks. The findings demonstrate that temple placement in Neolithic Malta reflects long-term environmental processes alongside increasing engagement with the surrounding seascape. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149526 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149156 Title: Niftakru biex nifhmu Abstract: Kull komunità għandha jibqgħu jkunu mfakkra, mismugħa u l-istejjer tagħha. Xi wħud mgħixha. Jinsabu miktuba fil-kotba u fid-dokumenti, oħrajn jinżammu fil-memorji tan-nies, fir-ritratti tal-familja, fil-festi, fil-każini u fil-laqgħat ta' kuljum. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149156 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z