Exploring an Archaic Shipwreck off Xlendi Bay, Gozo.
The first ever archaeological excavation by divers beyond 100 meters.
Exploring an Archaic Shipwreck off Xlendi Bay, Gozo
The first ever archaeological excavation by divers beyond 100 meters.
The Discovery
In 2007, during an offshore remote sensing survey aimed at mapping Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage, a small anomaly was noted in the sonar data.
Since then, the University of Malta, in collaboration with a number of international partners, have been studying what turned out to be one of the most intriguing recent underwater archaeological discoveries.
Situated at a depth of 110m off Xlendi Bay in Gozo, the Phoenician shipwreck consists of an intact and well-preserved mixed cargo datable to the 7th century BC. The mixed contents of stone and ceramic objects are shedding light on the economic history and trade networks of the Central Mediterranean during the Archaic period. In addition to the archaeological benefits – including the study of hitherto unknown ceramic typologies as well as a wide variety of scientific tests in the post excavation phases – this site presents other challenges and opportunities regards methodologies and access, as well as the communication of such a site.
The Cargo
The shipwreck consists of a very well preserved cargo made up of various objects. Indeed it is to date the only well-preserved mixed Phoenician cargo to be discovered intact.
Ceramics are concentrated in the middle part of the shipwreck and include amphorae from various parts of the central Mediterranean, as well as various types of urns. What is extraordinary is that to date urns have mainly been discovered in funerary contexts. At least seven types of ceramic containers have been identified including a small jug.
Both extremities of the ship are laden with saddle querns. These were used as grinding stones for the preparation of food. The fact that these stones are not worn down in any way, clearly indicates that they were brand new. Tests carried out on the volcanic rock have confirmed Pantelleria as the place of origin for these querns.
Its age and diverse nature truly make this shipwreck an unique and precious archaeological resource.
Exploration & Study
Once the age and typology of the shipwreck were identified it became clear that this unique site deserved to be explored and studied in depth.
Project Support
This project would not be possible without the support provided by:
The Team
This project has been going on for close to 14 years. During this period, numerous people have participated and contributed in a variety of ways.
In The Press
Phoenician Shipwreck Located off Coast of Malta
Maritime archaeologists have discovered what may be the oldest shipwreck found thus far in the central Mediterranean—cargo from a Phoenician boat dating to about 700 B.C.E. Diving almost 400 feet down about a mile off the Maltese island of Gozo, the archaeologists found 50 amphorae and 20 lava grinding stones. The
Phoenician wreck is underwater world of discovery
Exploring the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi is the latest Heritage Malta exhibition highlighting discoveries from an innovative underwater project. The exhibition focuses on the discovery of a Phoenician shipwreck which dates back to 700BC. Discovered off Xlendi in 2007 at a depth of 110 metres, this intriguing ancient vessel has
Continuano le ricerche sul relitto fenicio di Gozo, Malta
La scoperta nel 2007 del relitto di un naufragio avvenuto al largo della costa di Gozo ha offerto agli archeologi marini una rara opportunità di studiare una nave fenicia di oltre 2700 anni. Read Full Article
Exploring the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi, Gozo
For over 10 years, the University of Malta has, in collaboration with a number of partners, used state of the art technologies to study and explore one of the most exciting underwater archaeological discoveries in the Central Mediterranean. This exhibition highlights some of the innovative techniques used as well as
This Ancient Underwater Discovery Is Being Exhibited For The First Time Ever In Gozo’s Cittadella
Have you ever wanted to explore a really (really) old underwater shipwreck? Now’s your chance! Heritage Malta’s new exhibition, Exploring the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi, transports you directly into a 10-year long project that studied a shipwreck that dates all the way back to 700 BCE. Read Full Article
Into the deep with the Phoenician Shipwreck excavation
The Malta Airport Foundation is also supporting the ongoing excavation of a Phoenician shipwreck just off Xlendi bay in Gozo. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the wreck was discovered in 2007 and is just the eighth archaic Phoenician shipwreck to be located. Read Full Article