This initiative is being funded by the Bank of Valletta as part of the BOV Tarxien Temples Project. The conservation of the Tarxien Temples is one of the main objectives of this project.

Environmental data logging equipment has now been installed at Tarxien Prehistoric Temples. This equipment, which has been installed both within the site as well as in its immediate vicinity, will record a number of environmental factors, including wind speed and direction, solar radiation, humidity and temperature. These factors all effect the preservation of the site and the analysis of data collected by this equipment will be crucial in understanding the

monuments’ deterioration.

A team of electricians, former dockyard workers now working with Heritage Malta and a conservator set up the equipment on site. Without the contribution of this team, the completion of this part of the BOV Tarxien Temples Project would not have been possible.

This is the first time in the Maltese Islands that the environment of an outdoor archaeological site is being analysed in such detail. The information collected will allow decisions for the site’s future conservation to be based on sound scientific data.

Further steps for the preservation of the site include the replacement of a small shelter over the reliefs of two bulls and a sow, also found at the site. This shelter will ensure that these prehistoric works of art are protected from rainwater.

The detailed documentation of two megaliths bearing graffiti of ships, possibly the earliest representations of seafaring in the world, will be another step towards the complete preservation of the site. This documentation is being carried out before actual conservation measures are taken for the preservation of these megaliths.