An archaeological and archaeometric study of Late Punic–Roman Pottery from the Tas-Silġ Sanctuary and the Żejtun Villa, Malta

Richard-Trémeau, Emma; Capelli, Claudio; Betts, John C.; Grech, Joseph; Humann, Alexandra; Anastasi, Maxine; Piazza, Michele

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study contributes to the understanding of the use of raw materials and pottery production techniques in Late Punic–Late Republican Malta, focusing on the Tas-Silġ sanctuary and the Żejtun Villa. Plates, bowls and cooking vessels were described typologically, and their fabrics were characterised using polarised light microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence. The aims were to classify these vessels into integrated and coherent fabric groups based on all analyses, to better understand the local production of vessels and to assess a possible local provenance.

Four integrated fabric groups were identified and represent local productions using distinct raw materials or production techniques. These groups can be distinguished typologically, macroscopically, petrographically and chemically. Multivariate techniques, including the chemical analysis of Maltese clays, were produced to enhance the fabric classification and discuss their raw materials. The raw materials identified are consistent with what is known in Maltese geology. One group is distinctive, and the results suggest the possible use of a previously unidentified raw material, Terra Rossa, found over the Upper Coralline Limestone. This new classification provides the basis for further studies of Late Punic–Roman sites in the Maltese islands and the future identification of imports and exports from the Maltese islands.

Citation

Richard-Trémeau, E., Capelli, C., Betts, J. C., Grech, J., Humann, A., Anastasi, M., & Piazza, M. (online). An archaeological and archaeometric study of Late Punic–Roman Pottery from the Tas-Silġ Sanctuary and the Żejtun Villa, Malta. Libyan Studies, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1017/lis.2024.7

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 18, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 11, 2024
• Journal: Libyan Studies
• Print ISSN: 0263-7189
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-6148
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-21
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/lis.2024.7
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2951573
• Additional Information: Available open access via DOI