Marsa's Roman Port

Raphael Vassallo writes on today's Malta Independent on Sunday that no public enquiry has been held into recent infrastructural works he calls " the rape of Marsa’s Roman port". He writes that 'so far, no legal action has been taken against the Works Division for causing what has been described as “extensive” and “possibly irreversible” damage to a highly sensitive archaeological site... namely, the remains of Marsa’s ancient Roman port..' From TMIS:

“The Marsa site is one of very few sites known in Malta to contain substantial archaeological remains related to maritime and commercial activity from the Roman period. It also contains deposits that accumulated in the area by alluvial action from land and also by marine action. Both deposits contain substantial information about Malta’s ancient environment and climate... “The Marsa Roman harbour is also important as it is one of the few ancient harbours in the Mediterranean that still contain structural and environmental deposits, and therefore it is also significant on an international level vis-à-vis other Roman ports in the Mediterranean.”

That the area was potentially rich in historical remains has long been known by the authorities. According to the Museum Annual Reports, five Roman tombs were found in 1947 “in the field opposite the Civil Abattoir at Marsa.” That is, within 20 metres to the east of the Roman remains in question. MEPA’s spokesperson continues: “This implies that the area was one of intense activity. It also included burial sites and most probably a settlement, the location of which is still unknown. The remains that were recently re-discovered near the Marsa Canal had already been discovered on 24 January 1956, while government workers were digging trenches for the laying of foundations of the Government Technical College at Marsa.” The Museum Annual Report for 1955–1956 also states: “Systematic excavations will, however, be necessary to obtain detailed information about these remains...

Malta History; Malta Roman Times; Malta history links