Tas-Silġ

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The Tas-Silġ is a rounded hilltop in Zejtun, Malta, overlooking the head of Marsaxlokk-Bay.[1] Tas-Silġ is a multi-period sanctuary site[2] covering all eras from Neolithic to the fourth century AD.

Description

Due to its various settlements along different periods, Tas-Silġ indicates to archaeologists several different layers of excavation.

The first temple was one of the Tarxien period (3000 B.C.-2500 B.C.) as shown by pottery and lithics, and a standing fat lady[1] founded in the deepest layer.

Above this Tarxien temple, there is a Bronze Age settlement, as shown by the associated sherds and stone tools.

The following Punic temple incorporated upstanding remains of earlier temples and reveals a D-shaped setting of irregular blocks. It is the sanctuary to Juno (Astarte of the Phoenicians) mentioned in Cicero’s Verrine Orations.[2] On this layer the main finding is a threshold slab pierced by three libation holes; it divided the eastern part of the temple and the western side. Other evidence from the Bronze Age consists of the large amount of handiwork.[2]

Later again, in the 4th century AD, a monastery were built there. It was established just outside the horseshoe-shaped setting of ancient blocks. It just may be then the fat lady was deliberately defaced and buried in a hollow.[1]

Excavation and restoration

An Italian Mission led the first excavations in 1963-72[1] identifying the sanctuary; then in 1996 Malta University started its own excavation project[2] to clean other layers of sediments. The site is shielded by a cover to protect it from further erosion. Heritage Malta runs the conservation of Tas-Silġ but has unfortunately been closed to public up to now.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Trump, David H. (2004). Malta: Prehistory and Temples. Misdea Book Ltd. pp. 138, 139. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Tas-Silg Excavation Project". University of Malta. Retrieved 16 March 2010. 

Coordinates: 35°50′42″N 14°33′07″E / 35.845°N 14.552°E / 35.845; 14.552

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