Prehistoric tombs near Żebbuġ, Malta

Abstract

In September 1947, whilst digging trenches for the laying of the foundations of a building in the field known as 'ta Trapna iz-Zghira' in the parish of Zebbug (Ref 394228 on the standard 2-inch map of Malta), five early tombs were discovered. The workmen not appreciating the importance of the discovery cut a trench 2 feet wide through the middle of two of these burials, thus partially destroying the deposit. Further destruction was prevented by Mr. Ian Small, Civil Engineer of H.M. Dockyard, who stopped the work and reported the discovery to the Museum; and on inspection of the site it immediately became apparent that we were dealing with tombs of a type hitherto unrecorded. The excavation of these remains was conducted with the fullest care to secure adequate records and ensure the recovery of all the archaeological material.