Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar's second event for 2016 is a heritage walk by Fr Eugene Teuma on Rabat and the Roman Melita - which extends from Mdina to Rabat - Malta's richest area in terms of Roman remains. This interesting walk around the town of Rabat will start from St Francis' Friary at 2.30pm and will explore the fascinating early history of Rabat and Mdina.

Roman Melita (Mdina and Rabat) and the fortifications system

The few 17th and 18th century texts that mention the remains allow us to formulate an idea of how Rabat looked as regards its buildings, roads and especially the impressive fortifications that once surrounded it. A good part of what remains of ancient Rabat survives in the narrow passage-ways, water systems and cellars found beneath Rabat's streets.
The tour will start from one of the few remaining vestiges of this once impressive system of fortifications that withstood two years of siege until 870 AD. The events that followed spelled the end and the destruction of this ancient town and its impressive city walls which though over 1,000 years old had served their purpose well. During the tour participants will be able to catch glimpses of this town and follow its outline within the modern town of Rabat and Mdina.

Fr Teuma has been fascinated by the archaeological remains and history of Rabat and Mdina, especially the Roman town of Melita ever since the chance discovery of a complex water system and galleries beneath Rabat in the 1980s. The documentation of these remains was instrumental in the interpretation of the surviving surface structures around Rabat and Mdina which led to the drawing up of a detailed interpretation of what the fortifications around the town of Melita once looked like.

This event is open to FAA members. Should you wish to become a member you can do so at http://new.faa.org.mt/how-to-help/become-a-member/
The event will be held on Saturday, 13 February at 2.30pm and
will start from St Francis' Friary, St Francis Street, Rabat (next to the Santo Spirito Archives)
Price: €13. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and warm, waterproof clothing. The walk will go ahead in case of showers. Tea/coffee, sandwiches and cakes will be served at the end of the tour.

Tickets may be booked by visiting: https://ticketengine.faa.org.mt/