By Times of Malta
An archaeological site in Gozo that has proven to be a treasure trove of historical remains is under assault by relentless development, an NGO has warned. The Santa Verna temple site in Xag魔ra has a history spanning the entire Maltese prehistoric period, beginning around 5000 BCE, Flimkien G魔all-Ambjent A魔jar said. “Early excavations in 1908 and 1911 revealed a trefoil-shaped temple floor plan and, astonishingly, human remains, including two complete skeletons. Subsequent digs in 1911 and 1961 uncovered significant in-situ stones, ancient lime concrete floors, and undisturbed soil layers. The Gozo Island Survey (1987-1995) and FRAGSUS geophysical surveys in 2014 further underscored the site’s immense potential,” it said. Extensive excavations in 2015 yielded a wealth of artefacts, including ceramics, animal bones, and environmental samples. This evidence, it said, pointed to pre-temple settlement activity from the G魔ar Dalam and Skorba periods (around 5,000-4,100 BCE), suggesting an earlier settlement was eventually replaced by the temple structure. The 2015 findings confirmed Santa Verna as a five-apsed temple, which underwent several modifications over its long history. “Among the most remarkable discoveries was a section of unique polygonal paving made from globigerina limestone, found within one of the apse walls. Beyond the main temple, researchers recovered a substantial amount of material, including rare snail figurines, all meticulously documented through sieving and systematic sampling. FAA complained that despite these monumental discoveries being publicly discussed and highlighted, construction work in the Santa Verna area continues relentlessly. “Shockingly, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) initially claimed no archaeological remains existed in areas where development permits were issued. This was proved to be untrue after local residents made alarming reports about the discovery of human skulls which is why the SCH had to later intervene.” There was lack of monitoring and oversight while the destruction kept unfolding, the environment NGO said. It is now calling for a halt to all works in the vicinity of the site and a proper study of the area. “The destruction of unrecorded archaeological features due to such development would be an irreparable loss to both Malta and global heritage. The casual disposal and dispersal of unearthed human remains, the use of heavy machinery directly on archaeological deposits, the evident lack of action from the SCH, and the complete absence of effective monitoring paint a grim picture of unchecked destruction. This negligence threatens to permanently erase irreplaceable segments of Malta’s prehistoric past,” it said.