In late October, three members of the Department of Classics and Archaeology attended the 9th International Congress on Phoenician and Punic Studies in Merida, Spain. Whilst there, Dr Maxine Anastasi, Professor Timmy Gambin and Professor Nicholas Vella had the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field, including the most recent discoveries from various parts of the Mediterranean.
Through its collaboration with several foreign institutions, members of the Department of Classics and Archaeology co-presented no less than five papers that covered various results emanating from the Phoenician Shipwreck Project.
The latest findings about the shipwreck's Phoenician-period cargo were presented, in addition to the results of the petrographic and residue analyses of the clay and stone elements that made up the cargo. All the papers were well received and also inspired discussion among many of those present. The conference also offered several networking opportunities, which may lead to new collaborative research ventures in the near future.
The Department of Classics and Archaeology has just concluded the 2018 field season where work continued on recording and excavating parts of the shipwreck.
Directed by Prof. Gambin, the project is generously supported by the Ministry for Gozo, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta International Airport, the Honor Frost Foundation and Heritage Malta.