Medieval and early modern cave-settlements and water galleries in North-West Malta South of the Great Fault : a field survey and gazetteer

Abstract

This study is the result of research undertaken between the years 1999 and 2002. It attempts to identify cave-settlements utilised for human and animal habitation and water resources and management techniques adopted in the late Middle Ages in north-western Malta, south of the Great Fault. The parameters for the field survey were dictated by the land surface area, included in the Malta West 1:25,000 survey sheet to the south of the Great Fault (fig.1A). The undocumented nature of most of the cave-settlements and water systems identified made it necessary for the survey to be presented in a gazetteer format. The survey was restricted to on-site observations and the production of site-plans for most of the inspected caves and did not involve any further means of archaeological investigation. The field-survey was often carried out against considerable odds due to the deplorable state of neglect of the sites. Many of the caves have in fact been frequently reduced to rubbish dumps, while others are in use as animal pens or storage depots for agricultural machinery and produce. This often made the taking of measured drawings a difficult task and some of the plans may need revision if the caves are ever cleared.