Publications
Understanding some of the effects of shelter design on deterioration at the Mnajdra Megalithic Temples of Malta
Significant surface temperature fluctuations were observed on the eastern façade of Mnajdra Megalithic Temples, with more pronounced variations in autumn compared to summer. These fluctuations are attributed to the angle of solar incidence and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can lead to microcracks formation and material weakening. The study used thermal imaging data collected across two seasons to monitor temperature gradients and hotspots on the megaliths. This research is part of a broader project evaluating the efficacy of sheltering systems designed to mitigate weathering caused by environmental factors such as rain, wind, salt damage, and direct insolation. The findings aim to inform conservation strategies for these unique heritage sites, considering the impacts of climate change.
The impact of COVID-19 closures on the Megalithic Temples of Malta UNESCO world heritage site
COVID-19 closures significantly impacted the Megalithic Temples of Malta revealing variable effects on physical conservation, economic stability, and social engagement. While visitor-related deterioration decreased during lockdowns, the sites faced economic strain due to tourism dependence. Post-reopening, stricter safety measures and restrictions reshaped public access. This study highlights the vulnerability of Central Mediterranean archaeological sites to global crises and underscores their cultural importance to local communities.
An assessment of the contribution of air pollution to the weathering of limestone heritage in Malta
Malta's limestone megalithic temples, including those inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, experience weathering primarily influenced by natural climatic factors and sea salt deposition rather than air pollution. A study found that annual stone surface loss due to air pollution is minimal (about one micrometer), overshadowed by variations caused by relative humidity, temperature, wind, rainfall, and ground water replenishment. The research used exposure–response functions from the ICP-materials program to compare atmospheric chemical weathering between urban and rural areas in Malta, evaluating the protective effect of open-sided shelters built over three temples. Findings suggest that while air pollution contributes to deterioration, its impact is less significant than other environmental factors, including salt crystallization events inside and outside shelters.
Sheltering megalithic Temples in Malta – evaluating the process through data collection and modelling
Sheltering structures implemented at three UNESCO-listed megalithic temples in Malta—Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien—have shown promise in mitigating environmental stressors such as rainfall, surface weathering, and thermal stress. A decade-long research program, combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling with long-term environmental monitoring, aims to quantify the shelters' effectiveness. By integrating macroscale regional models with mesoscale temple-specific analyses, researchers seek to establish correlations between environmental conditions and material deterioration patterns. This approach offers potential for targeted conservation strategies, though findings remain ongoing.
Sheltering archaeological sites in Malta: lessons learnt
Protective shelters installed over three megalithic temple sites in Malta have demonstrated both beneficial and transitional effects on structural stability. The study found that while shelters mitigate environmental threats such as wetting-drying cycles, thermal fluctuations, and salt corrosion—key factors in the deterioration of these ancient structures—their long-term impact requires sustained monitoring to distinguish between immediate benefits and enduring trends. Lessons learned emphasize the necessity for site-specific strategies, careful selection of monitored parameters, and adaptive management frameworks. The research highlights that shelters alone are insufficient without a comprehensive conservation strategy, advocating for performance indicators tailored to individual sites.
Immensity and Miniaturism: The Interplay of Scale and Sensory Experience in the Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands
A striking interplay between immensity and miniaturism shaped sensory experiences and social relations during the Late Neolithic period (3600–2500 BC) on the Maltese Islands. While megalithic temples, with their monumental scale, dominate archaeological narratives, this study reveals that smaller objects—such as figurines and models—were equally significant in structuring human perception and interaction within these grand structures. By analyzing the contrast between large-scale architecture and miniature artifacts, researchers demonstrate how varying scales influenced social dynamics and sensory engagement, challenging traditional interpretations of Neolithic material culture.
The Islandscape of the Megalithic Temple Structures of Prehistoric Malta
Prehistoric Malta's megalithic temples suggest a sophisticated cosmology integrating land, sea, and sky, likely central to the Temple Period society (5th–4th millennium BCE). Analysis of temple orientation, location, and material culture—including artifacts and iconography—reveals patterns indicative of an islanders' worldview that harmonized terrestrial, maritime, and celestial elements. This interpretation challenges conventional narratives by proposing a cohesive cosmological framework without relying on later historical evidence. The study employs thick description to reconstruct this lost belief system, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of one of the Mediterranean's most enigmatic archaeological sites.
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