Post-Roman Burial Ground Discovered In Tal-Bidnija

Archaeologists working at the Tal-Bidnija site have uncovered what is believed to be a post-Roman burial ground, including at least two inhumations.

This discovery supports historical accounts from the Late Medieval period suggesting that the area remained in use long after the end of Classical antiquity.

The find offers valuable insight into the long-term development of the site and contributes to a deeper understanding of Malta’s rural history.

The excavation forms part of the OLEA project, a collaborative effort between Heritage Malta, the University of Malta, and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

Since its launch in 2020, the project has focused on protecting and studying the archaeologically rich Tal-Bidnija countryside above Burmarrad.

The area first attracted attention in 1912 through Sir Temi Zammit but remained largely unexplored until revisited during the Malta Survey Project between 2008 and 2012.

Advanced methods such as ground-penetrating radar and surface artefact analysis have revealed evidence of a Roman villa rustica, located near an olive grove that is believed to be over 500 years old.

Now in its second year, the OLEA project also serves as practical training for University of Malta archaeology students.

Recent site visits by senior representatives from Heritage Malta and the University of Malta highlighted the latest findings.

Among them are decorated plaster fragments from an apsed building, now under conservation. The presence of a rare Roman stone vat for olive oil decanting further enhances the site’s agricultural and historical value. Excavations will continue next year.

#MaltaDaily