A remarkable discovery was made in St. Paul’s Bay when a swimmer stumbled upon what was initially thought to be an explosive device underwater.
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) promptly dispatched their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to safely retrieve the object from the seabed. However, upon closer examination, it was identified as an ancient amphora, estimated to be around 2,000 years old.
An amphora is a type of container with a pointed bottom and characteristic shape and size mostly from the Neolithic period.
In accordance with the Cultural Heritage Act, any discovery of cultural artifacts, whether on land or underwater, must be reported within 24 hours to the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.
As the authority responsible for protecting Malta and Gozo’s cultural heritage, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage was immediately informed and took charge of the artifact.
The amphora has since been transferred to the Superintendence’s conservation laboratory, where it is currently undergoing a desalination process.
In the coming weeks, archaeologists and conservators will study the artifact in greater detail to uncover more about its origins and historical significance.
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