An ancient quarry has been discovered in an area between Zejtun and Marsaxlokk, following archaeological monitoring of works carried out by the Water Services Corporation.

The area, which has high incidence of known archaeological sites recorded, was being monitored by an approved archaeologist of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

A statement on Friday said that the Superintendence was immediately notified of a potential discover by the archaeological monitor when rock-cut surfaces with visible toolmarks had become uncovered during the works.

The Superintendence then issued instructions for the proper investigation of this feature, which turned out to be an ancient quarry with large ashlars (large rectangular stone block) hewn out of the rock, yet to be detached from the bedrock.

The statement read that while no associated material has been discovered, and so an accurate date could not be attributed, based on the ashlars and the typology of the quarry, the discovery could be safely attributed to a classical period date.