Italian archaeological missions enhance the cultural heritage of host countries and contribute to the socio-economic development of the sites in which they operate, fostering greater historical awareness at local level and, in crisis areas, supporting political processes of pacification.
Italian Archaeological Missions in Malta
Traditionally, the Mediterranean and Middle East region has been the area with the highest number of Italian archaeological missions. It is within this context that the Italian Archaeological Mission in Malta was launched in 1963, on the initiative of Professor Sabatino Moscati, then Director of the Institute for Near Eastern Studies at the University of Rome.
Archaeological investigations focused on a number of sites of particular importance:
- Near Tas-Silġ, the sanctuary of Astarte-Hera-Juno was identified;
- At San Pawl Milqi, investigations were carried out on the structures of a villa-farm, over which a small church was subsequently built, traditionally associated with one of the residences of Publius, the island’s chief official who welcomed Saint Paul after the shipwreck;
- At Ras il-Wardija, on the island of Gozo, a rock-cut sanctuary dating to the Hellenistic period was also identified.
The initiatives of the Italian Archaeological Mission are carried out in close cooperation with the Maltese institutions responsible for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage. They represent an exemplary case of the international application of the expertise developed in Italy in the fields of archaeological research, conservation and the promotion of cultural heritage.
The continued commitment of the scholars involved, the updating of research methodologies and the involvement of new generations of researchers have made a decisive contribution to deepening knowledge of the culture and economy of Maltese society between the eighth century BC and the medieval period, while at the same time strengthening the scientific and cultural ties between Italy and Malta.