Institution: Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta
Collaborating partners: Carlo Diacono Girls鈥� Junior Lyceum, 呕ejtun; Ghent University, Belgium; Din L-Art 摩elwa
Directors: Prof. Anthony Bonanno and Prof. Nicholas Vella (University of Malta)
Main sponsor: University of Malta
Additional sponsors: Din L-Art 摩elwa, Carlo Diacono Girls Lyceum, Ghent University, and Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.
In 1961, whilst work was underway for the construction of the new village school in 呕ejtun, ancient remains were noted. Archaeological excavations were taken up in 1964 revealing a large cistern and some water channels, together with an area paved in stone slabs. Eight years later, the start of an annual excavation project, led by the Museums鈥� Department, got underway uncovering in the course of short excavation campaigns what was identified as a farmstead of Roman date. Various parts of the stone apparatus used in Roman times for the production of olive oil were found. These included the large stone block used as the counterweight for the wooden beam of the press and a stone vat for the settling of the processed olive oil. These remains constitute the industrial zone of the farmstead.
To the south a series of rooms were uncovered, all containing lozenge-shaped terracotta tiles. Some of the walls are plastered and were decorated in red paint. A second cistern was discovered further south, as well as a rock-cut silo-pit containing Bronze Age pottery. Short excavation campaigns were conducted until 1976 uncovering what is now identified as a typical Roman rustic villa.
In 2006 excavation was resumed by the University of Malta. Four trenches were opened up incorporating parts of the 1972-76 excavation limit (Areas A and B), as well as previously unexcavated zones (Areas C and D). The primary aim of the project is to assess, record and publish the architectural remains and cultural material revealed in past excavations and other data arising from limited excavations on the site. An attempt will be made to recover data with which to attempt a reconstruction of the economic and environmental history of the site and its environs.