Simulating a stone roof for the Maltese Neolithic temples: Analysing stress to understand specialisation

A stone roof for the Megalithic Temples of Malta is supported by 3D stress simulations, revealing sophisticated architectural principles in Neolithic construction. The study analyzed forces within temple models, demonstrating that walls were designed to disperse excessive weight—a feature consistent with a stone roof. This challenges longstanding debates and provides new insights into Maltese Neolithic culture, including cultural transmission and generational specialization.

Barratt, R. P. (2022). Simulating a stone roof for the Maltese Neolithic temples: Analysing stress to understand specialisation. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 27, e00236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.daach.2022.e00236