The collapse and proposed restoration of a prehistoric megalithic structure

Abstract

A recent partial collapse of one of the megalithic temples in Malta, dating back to 3000-3500BC, has presented an opportunity to study the structure of one of these temples in greater detail, in order to evaluate the cause of the collapse, as well as to consider the feasible limits of restoration. Since their discovery and excavation, in the middle of the last century, the limestone temple structures have been exposed to a variety of damaging environmental conditions, which have resulted in an alarming rate of deterioration. The paper summarises the structural characteristics of the temples, and the various factors that have a deleterious effect, particularly those that led to the partial collapse.