An exhibition highlighting the various archaeological finds at the site of the ancient Ta’ Ġawhar Tower, which lies between Ħal-Safi and Ħal-Far, has been launched at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Ta’ Ġawhar Tower is one of at least five ancient round towers which have stood the test of time and is the subject of a new exhibition; ‘Ta’ Ġawhar Tower – Gold, Bread and Fire’.
The function of these towers is still a topic for debate, as it is still not clear whether the towers – most of which lie in the area of Zurrieq, Mqabba and Ħal-Safi – formed part of a defensive system.
The exhibition was launched by Heritage Malta, and Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici praised the initiative.
“It is thanks to such initiatives that we are given the chance to learn more about the past, which has shaped our identity as a people”, he said.
“Furthermore, this exhibition by Heritage Malta is an ideal opportunity to discover more about lesser-known areas of our history, and is fulfilling our cultural strategy by making our heritage more accessible and strengthening our local cultural product”, Bonnici noted.
Ta’ Ġawhar Tower was excavated by the renowned archaeologist David Trump in 1960. In his notes, he reported that the circular tower was constructed with massive square blocks and that its diameter was approximately 16 metres.
Many signs of burning indicated that the tower was destroyed by a fire which seems to have taken place around 300 AD, after which it was completely abandoned.
The few artefacts which have been discovered on site during this excavation seem to reflect a hurried escape from this place. These artefacts included a small earring of gold wire, two small bronze buckets, one within the other, an iron double bladed axe, a bronze coin, a jar neck with a potter’s mark, shards of a large imitation Samian platter, and a carbonised item which appeared to be a part of a bread roll.
The exhibition shows how the excavations were carried out at this intriguing site, what was discovered, and what is known about the site’s beginning and end. Visitors will also be able to learn about the new studies which are currently underway by Heritage Malta in an attempt to enhance further the knowledge about this site and the archaeological potential within it and its artefacts.
The exhibition is located at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, and will remain open to the public till the 28 September 2019. Admission is free of charge.