Seasons
The acceptance of a grant application based on the results of the 2007-2009 expeditions allowed for an ultra-high-resolution survey of the site to be conducted in 2014. Additionally, the possible recovery of sample objects was planned, which would contribute to a better understanding of the nature of the site.
Under the ambit of the GROPLAN Project a light observation-class ROV and a two-person manned submersible were deployed, both outfitted with a payload in keeping with the aims of the project. The 2014 survey had two aims: (a) the measurement of the entire site visible on the seabed, and (b) the extraction of known artefacts from the site. Both of these aims required the documentation of the site’s position in space, as well as that of the objects within in it. The gathering and processing of high-resolution 3D data led to the production of a dense cloud model, scaled and created on real baseline distances, with a high-resolution orthophoto as a result. This allowed for each visible artefact to be given a digital label with a unique object number.
The use of a manned submersible provided by COMEX permitted field archaeologists to experience the site and identify and select objects for recovery. The selection was based on whether the object provided a representative sample of the cargo, the ease of recovery and the least amount of disturbance of the sites.
Ultimately, the chosen objects could provide a better understanding of the shipwreck, its cargo and what could be revealed about archaic central Mediterranean trade. The following four objects were chosen: (1) a saddle quern base, (2) an ovoid amphora, (3) a flat-bottom amphora, and (4) an urn. The use of a manned submersible and an ROV provided site-specific information, and methodically recorded and recovered objects to the highest scientific standard.
The main objective of the 2019 season was to continue the archaeological excavation of the test trench started in 2018, with the lessons learned in the previous year ensuring a more efficient season. The 3D photogrammetric surveys of the excavation trench were continued on a daily basis, allowing for daily planning and refining of excavation strategies. As in the 2018 season, a hydraulic-powered submersible pump was used, however at times hand-fanning and trowels needed to be utilized. Any recovered archaeological material was placed in mesh bags and marked with the relevant information of each of the grid’s subunits. A small ROV was used this season in order to film the trench at the end of each day, allowing for a more efficient planning of the next day’s strategy. The ROV was also used to ensure that the surface pump was connected as it should and could be deployed safely. The objects recovered in 2019 are: (1) a partial Phoenician fineware ceramic bowl, (2) a small urn with four lugs, (3) numerous miscellaneous ceramic sherds and fragments, (4) an object with metallic properties, (5) a large fragment of timber that was loose in the lower levels of the site, and (6) a ‘piece’ of what is believed to be bitumen. At the end of the season a final 3D survey was conducted, and the excavated area of the site was covered in two layers of geotextile. The public outreach campaign was continued this season, with a well-attended public talk organized in collaboration with the Munxar Local Council in Xlendi, and the presentation of the Phoenician Shipwreck Project to the general, local and foreign, public at the Science in the City event organized in Valletta.
The plan for the 2020 season is to continue with the removal of sediments in order to acquire a detailed and high-resolution record of the cargo in this section of the wreck. Following this the plan is to recover cargo elements so as to expose and record the ballast in-situ.
The number artefacts recovered in 2020 exceeded objectives. 33 complete or partial amphorae of mixed typologies were raised, two of which have rare graffiti etchings. 3 jugs and 3 small cooking pots were also discovered between the larger objects in the cargo. Important organic artefacts were collected, including loose pieces of wood that may be hull fragments, as well as molluscs. Sieving is underway to determine if there are more molluscs inside the ceramic containers. These sieved layers may provide clues about past environmental conditions with further study. Scientific testing will be conducted on both the ceramic and organic materials to determine the date and origin. On the final dive a post-excavation 3D survey was completed, and the trench was covered in two layers of geotextile held in place by sandbags.
The public outreach campaign needed to be adapted due to COVID 19. The online talk presented by Project Director Prof. Timmy Gambin was well attended, the official Phoenician Shipwreck website has received increased traffic, and the interactive model of the site is available to explore in the Underwater Malta Virtual Museum. The aims for the 2021 season are to continue the excavation in the trench which are expected to contain the lower layers of cargo and the hull and continue refining methodologies for deep water archaeology.
The main aim of the 2021 season was to finalise the excavation of a 4x2m trench started in 2018. The objectives included exposing and recording the ship’s ballast in situ, as well as possible timber hull remains. Following the successful use of the technique during the 2018-2020 excavations, the excavation team used a hydraulic-powered submersible pump with a hydraulic machine housed on the bow deck of the boat. Any archaeological material was placed in mesh bags which were individual to each diver and the areas being worked in. The 3D photogrammetric recording of the site continued on a daily basis, creating an accurate record of the ongoing excavation. A rare and exciting discovery was that of a human tooth – the first human remains to be discovered on the site. This lower, right, first molar will be sent for further tests, including carbon dating and DNA analysis. The discovery of a mortis and tenon joint in the 2020 season provided the potential for further timber remains. This was confirmed in 2021 when the excavation exposed parts of six timber planks in situ, providing important information on hull construction and shipbuilding techniques in an archaic Mediterranean context.
The 2021 season marked the end of four years of excavation, the first ever conducted by divers at a depth beyond 100m, and the techniques used and methodologies developed will have a long-lasting impact on the discipline of deep-water archaeology. The finds recovered in the context of this project are making important insights into the trade networks of the archaic central Mediterranean, with hitherto unknown and rare ceramic types providing new information on Malta’s archaeological record. At the end of the 2021 season, the shipwreck site was covered with several layers of geotextile, sandbags and spoil material – ensuring that the timber remains are protected. The aim now is to continue the analysis of recovered material, bringing together an interdisciplinary team, for the eventual publication of the final reports. The site will be checked periodically by University of Malta and Heritage Malta divers, ensuring that the protective coverings are still in place and the site remains undisturbed for future generations.
