Side scan sonar and the management of underwater cultural heritage

Chapter 15This chapter deals with side scan sonar, not because I believe it is superior to other available technologies but rather because it is the tool that I have used in the context of a number of off shore surveys. It is therefore opportune to share an approach that I have developed and utilised in a number of projects around the Mediterranean. These projects were conceptualised together with local partners that had a wealth of local experience in the countries of operation. Over time it became clear that before starting to plan a project it is always important to ask oneself the obvious question – but one that is oft en overlooked: “what is it that we are setting out to achieve”? All too oft en, researchers and scientists approach a potential research project with blinkers. Such an approach may prove to be a hindrance to cross-fertilisation of ideas as well as to inter-disciplinary cooperation. Therefore, the aforementioned question should be followed up by a second query: “and who else can benefi t from this project?” Beneficiaries may vary from individual researchers of the same field such as archaeologists interested in other more clearly defined historic periods (World War II, Early Modern shipping etc) to other researchers who may be interested in specific studies (African amphora production for example). Finally there may also be researchers from other disciplines such as marine biology, marine geology and volcanology. From the same data sets gathered by marine archaeologists such scientists can study and consider a variety of interests which may including, but not limited to, habitat mapping, seabed classification and the identification of submerged volcanic vents. Answers to such questions may not be immediately forthcoming but it is essential to keep potential collaborations in mind when planning methodologies. In the light of this it would be opportune to explore the resolutions and other desiderata that fellow marine scientists require when planning their surveys. Although it may prove impossible to match their exact parameters it could well be that some small compromises are made in order to accommodate these requirements. Given that the expenses related to off shore survey are very elevated, it is hardly conceivable that the data acquired with adapted parameters will be refused by fellow marine scientists. Such a practice does not only make economic sense but is also good scientific etiquette. Such selfless cooperation may lead to scientific reciprocation with data eventually fl owing both ways.peer-reviewe

Mapping ancient water management systems

Upon the mention of underwater archaeology one's mind drifts to shipwrecks and sunken cargo lying on the seafloor. There are however other underwater sites besides shipwrecks and some of these sites are not necessarily in the sea. Since 2006, the Department of Classics and Archaeology of the University of Malta together with California Polytechnic (CALPOLY) University from the USA have conducted an innovative project exploring wells, cisterns and water galleries in both Malta and Gozo. This project has a number of aims. Primarily, the intention of this survey is to create a record of the various systems and features used for water management in the past. The second aim (but no less important) is to train computer engineering students in robotics and control engineering. The project co-directors are Dr Timmy Gambin from the University of Malta and Professor Chris Clark from CALPOLY.peer-reviewe

The harbours of ancient Gozo

Paper read at the Conference on Maritime Archaeology, Maritime Museum, 2002It is not unreasonable to assume that Gozo, too, was seen as a similar haven. However, on the basis that present day Gozo is devoid of any good natural harbours, some have, not unreasonably, dismissed the possibility that the island could have had any significant maritime role in antiquity.6 Through this paper I intend to show that the island did indeed have its fair share of maritime activity, an activity that would have needed more than small open bays to be sustained.peer-reviewe

Emergent realities for social wellbeing environmental, spatial and social pathways

Malta and Gozo’s population have always been influenced by movement. People, goods and ideas that sailed on and across the Mediterranean Sea came into contact with the islands and inhabitants - some purposely, other not; some peacefully, others not. It would be mistaken to believe that such maritime traffic was one way. Since prehistory, inhabitants from the Maltese Islands travelled from the islands to explore and settle overseas. More recently, Maltese people also moved and populated other Mediterranean areas that included Gibraltar, Alexandria and Tunis. Beyond Mare Nostrum, the Maltese wandered as far afield as New York and Sydney - some left for good but others were unable to resist the lure of their homeland.peer-reviewe

Archaeological discoveries at Marsa over the centuries

Marsa lies at the head of the Grand Harbour of Malta nestled between the sea and the town of Hamrun. The vast floodplain lying behind the inner reaches of the harbour is referred to by locals as il-Marsa tal-Ingliżi and covers the area which is currently occupied by the Marsa Sports Club.1 This same floodplain is the largest catchment area of freshwater in the Maltese islands. Large valley systems drain into the floodplain and subsequently into the sea at Marsa. Tonnes of sediment are transported across the plain annually making it the fertile area it is.peer-reviewe

Rabtiet marittimi ta kappelli dedikati lil San Pawl fil-gzejjer Maltin

This chapter has been uploaded both in the English version and the Maltese version.Over the millennia, the three-way relationship between humans, deities and the sea has manifested itself in a variety of ways. Not only does the sea play a pivotal role in ancient mythologies, it has also been looked upon with a sense of awe, fear and wonder. This is true for those travelling on a boat or ship as well as for those standing on the shore looking out to sea. Sudden changes in weather can turn the sea from a smooth, almost soothing scene to one characterized by a fierce and aggressive nature, both powerful and unforgiving. It is therefore unsurprising that powerful and vengeful Gods were often assigned to rule over this unpredictable domain. When undertaking a journey at sea the ancient Greeks would pray to a variety of deities for protection from the wrath of Poseidon who, if offended, could heave misery on seafarers and make their journey fraught with danger and difficulties.peer-reviewe

A Phoenician shipwreck off Gozo, Malta

The Department of Classics and Archaeology of the University of Malta recently undertook a detailed survey of the seventh-century BC shipwreck located in Maltese territorial waters. This survey was organised within the GROPLAN Project financed by the French National Science Foundation. Work was undertaken together with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the University of Aix-Marseille in close collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, Malta.peer-reviewe

The maritime heritage of Malta : past, present and future

The concept of this paper materialized from the need to introduce those attending the conference to the host country's history and heritage as seen from the perspective of the sea. This initial introduction was then adapted to act as a platform for a discussion on various aspects of the islands' maritime heritage. Through this paper the author intends to highlight some of these aspects that are either partly overlooked or simply ignored all together. Concrete solutions to the various problems that exist can only be reached through an organised effort conducted by various local bodies. This paper may act as food for thought with regards to the most pressing question, being the identification of what needs to be done. Only once this is established can we truly focus on the how.peer-reviewe

The underwater aviation heritage of the Second Siege of Malta

Between the years 1940 and 1943, the skies over the Maltese islands and their surrounding seas witnessed some of the most intense aerial combat of the Second World War. The prolonged duration of this conflict in a relatively well-delineated area has resulted in a submerged legacy that bears witness to a period of rapid advancement in aviation technology. After discussing the potential size of this cultural resource, this paper will explain why all of the in situ aircraft remains from this conflict now exist underwater, as well as a working hypothesis as to its composition. This paper concludes by urging a re-appraisal in how this archaeological resource is regarded and treated, advocating a wider holistic approach to construct an ‘airscape’ of Malta during the Second World War.peer-reviewe

HMS Olympus : a tale of tragedy and heroics

This paper is based on the annual Andrew Vella Memorial Lecture delivered in December 2013. Through it I hope to do honour to his memory as well as to the memory of the young men who served on board the submarines that operated from Malta during World War II. What we have here is a tale of loss and discovery, tragedy and heroism - a tale that has remained relatively unknown - but one that certainly deserves to be told. It is not solely about a submarine but just as importantly, it is also about the brave young men that served on her. In fact, the vessel and her crew are inextricably linked for one cannot exist without the other.peer-reviewe