Santa Verna: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Malta
Santa Verna, located in Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta, represents a significant archaeological site that offers insights into the prehistoric era of the Maltese islands. This site, which encompasses the remnants of a village and a megalithic temple, provides a window into the ancient past, revealing the complexity and sophistication of early human settlements in the region.
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The Historical Context of Santa Verna
The origins of Santa Verna trace back to a prehistoric village, with the earliest pottery remains dating to around 5000 BC, during the Għar Dalam phase. This period marks a crucial phase in Maltese prehistory, characterized by the initial human occupation and the development of early settlement patterns.
The construction of the megalithic temple at Santa Verna occurred in the centuries following the establishment of the village. The temple, featuring a trefoil shape typical of the era, signifies the architectural and religious advancements of the time. At its zenith, Santa Verna likely served as a major religious site, comparable in importance to other renowned temples in Malta, such as Ġgantija, Tarxien, and Ħaġar Qim.
Presently, the temple’s remnants are limited to three upright megaliths, three horizontal blocks on their eastern side, and the preserved earth floor. These remains, though sparse, allow for the delineation of the temple’s original layout, offering a glimpse into its architectural design.
Archaeological Excavations at Santa Verna
The megalithic remains at Santa Verna were initially discovered by Nikola Said, an employee of the Public Works Department. Subsequent observations by archaeologist Manuel Magri in the early 20th century led to the site’s formal recognition and study.
In 1911, Thomas Ashby and R. N. Bradley undertook the first excavation of the site, uncovering two complete skeletons, several incomplete ones, including that of a child, and numerous smaller artifacts. These findings were significant enough for the site to be included on the Antiquities List of 1925.
A subsequent excavation in 1961 by David H. Trump revealed the remains of the village predating the temple. This excavation provided further evidence of the site’s extensive history and its role in the prehistoric era of Malta.
More recent excavations, funded by the European Research Council in 2015, have unveiled the temple’s five-apsed plan during the Ġgantija phase. These excavations also uncovered additional evidence of the earlier settlement and yielded samples of ancient animal bones, wheat, barley, and legumes, enriching our understanding of the dietary practices and agricultural activities of the site’s ancient inhabitants.
Conclusion
Santa Verna stands as a testament to the rich prehistoric heritage of the Maltese islands. Despite the temple’s current dilapidated state, the site’s archaeological significance cannot be overstated. Through the ongoing efforts of archaeologists and researchers, Santa Verna continues to reveal the complexities of ancient Maltese society, offering invaluable insights into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors.
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