The tal-Callus and Simblija estates at Wied ir-Rum and Wied Hazrun (Malta) : an enigma resolved

Abstract

The fertile nature of the agricultural territories of Wied ir-Rum and Wied Ħażrun is due to the availability of a series of man-excavated perennial spring sources and the employment of terraced cultivation irrigated by gravity-fed water systems. This agricultural framework probably dates to either the twelfth or the thirteenth centuries AD and seemingly formed part of a centrally coordinated effort, aimed at increasing the agricultural output of specifically designated countryside areas. This paper evaluates the validity of previously published data on the Late Medieval agricultural estates of Tal-Callus and Simblija located at Wied ir-Rum and the adjoining Wied Ħażrun respectively. Furthermore, it also presents formerly unpublished documentation, an analysis of which led to the secure identification of the Tal-Callus estate. Prior to this study, this estate’s location was uncertain.