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floors, further supporting the extent of Roman and Punic oc- cupation in the area. Additional evidence of Punic activity includ- ed rectangular shafts containing painted ware pottery, among them a kylix, as well as animal bone material. Charcoal-rich subsoil deposits indicate episodes of burning that likely occurred in situ, reinforcing the complexity and stratification of the site. Roman rural and urban landscapes Roman-period activity was fur- ther illuminated at Bidnija, where excavations interpreted as part of a substantial villa complex pro- duced large quantities of decorat- ed mural plaster from a collapsed structural section. This material provides direct evidence of the building's original decorative scheme and internal aesthetics. The discovery of an intact medi- eval burial within the same area indicates that the site was later repurposed for funerary use, sug- gesting continued occupation or reoccupation in the post-Roman period. Agricultural life in the Roman countryside was also evidenced at Ta' Marnisi in Marsaxlokk where excavations uncovered structural remains alongside charred olive stones, pointing to olive process- ing activities. In Balzan, a devel- opment-led evaluation revealed a large dolium-type storage vessel in situ, associated with rock-cut cisterns and irrigation channels. Together, these features help reconstruct a structured agricul- tural landscape in the area during the Roman period. Prehistoric transitions in Bahrija and Xaghra Prehistoric discoveries included a Late Bronze Age site at Baħrija, where a significant assemblage of black-slipped ware characteristic of the Baħrija Phase was recov- ered. The presence of vessels such as dipper cups and strap-handled pottery fragments in primary context suggests a sudden aban- donment of the site, consistent with patterns observed in earlier investigations. In Xagħra, Gozo, archaeologists documented a Temple Period burial within a small tomb asso- ciated with vine trenches. This association provides important evidence of ancient land-use strategies, linking funerary prac- tices with agricultural activity in the prehistoric landscape. Funerary discoveries and insights into ancient health Several funerary contexts pro- vided valuable biological and social data. In Attard a rock-cut tomb near the Ħal Warda ne- cropolis contained the remains of a woman aged between 25 and 31 years, buried with two ivory beads, likely part of a necklace. The presence of such material suggests access to imported or high-status goods. Osteological analysis revealed dental abscess- es and caries, offering insight into the health conditions expe- rienced by the population. No dating is given for this particular find. In Paola, monitoring works un- covered three rock-cut tombs beneath a demolished 1970s structure. Despite partial trun- cation by modern construction, one chamber contained the artic- ulated remains of an adult and a child, accompanied by butchered animal bones that may represent ritual offerings. Roadworks in Kirkop led to the identification of a rifled catacomb and nearby cart ruts, adding fur- ther evidence of a significant rural settlement in Late Antiq- uity. Similarly, investigations at Tas-Salib in Rabat revealed extensive cart ruts continuing across adjacent properties, con- firming the scale of the ancient transport network in the area. Quarry and catacombs in Qawra In Qawra, archaeological eval- uation identified two truncated catacombs situated near a signif- icant ancient quarry. The quarry preserved in-situ ashlar blocks and clear extraction marks, alongside a bell-shaped cistern. These features will be buried under a block of apartments but the SCH annual report states that the SCH is in discussions with the project's architects and develop- ers to ensure these historical re- mains are not only preserved but also "valorised". Additional dis- coveries in Qrendi revealed two shaft-and-chamber tombs during a farm extension, one containing at least three individuals, as well as 36 agricultural trenches. Road- works for the Siġġiewi Distribu- tion Centre also exposed a cylin- drical shaft and multiple burial chambers. In all cases, SCH co- ordinated with developers to en- sure that remains were properly investigated and, where possible, preserved in situ through design adjustments and rerouting. Maritime and urban heritage updates Underwater excavations at Marsaskala (PA06646/25), car- ried out in connection with dredging works required for a proposed new ferry service, uncovered a cultural deposit dating from the 4th to 6th cen- turies AD, including pottery, glass, and fishing implements such as clay, stone, and lead net weights. The discovery led to revised dredging limits, ensuring the remains are preserved beneath a protective sediment buffer. Monitoring works at Lascaris recovered more than 1,000 ar- tefacts, including coins and to- bacco pipes spanning the 18th to 20th centuries, reflecting the long operational history of the nearby 1776 customs house. In Birgu, investigations with- in a basement revealed pick- axed flagstones, stone culverts, and a water channel capped with stone slabs, documenting the area's early modern trans- formation. In Sliema, restoration works in a townhouse exposed neo- classical fluted columns and sculptural elements concealed beneath modern finishes, high- lighting the hidden architec- tural heritage preserved within Malta's historic urban fabric. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JUNE 2026 NEWS GOVERNMENT OF MALTA CABINET OFFICE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER AWARD OF HONOURS AND DECORATIONS Malta pays public tribute to Maltese citizens who have distinguished themselves in different walks of life and whose contribution and achievement enrich the general well-being of their fellow countrymen. Any Maltese citizen, a group of persons or a voluntary organisation which is duly enrolled with the Commissioner in terms of the Voluntary Organisation Act may be nominated for the award of an honour on Republic Day. Nominations for 2026 will be received by the Nominations Committee on the prescribed Nomination Form, addressed to the Chairperson, Nominations Committee, Office of the Prime Minister, Auberge de Castille, Valletta VLT 1061, by not later than Sunday, 23rd August 2026. Nomination forms may be collected from the Office of the Prime Minister, Auberge de Castille, Valletta or downloaded from the website of the Office of the Prime Minister www.opm.gov.mt. For further information, one may contact the Cabinet Office on 22001481. The persons nominated should neither be approached for details, nor informed about their nomination. butchered animal bones and pottery A total of 172 archaeological sites were identified or rediscovered across Malta and Gozo in 2025, according to the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, with findings spanning prehistoric, Roman, funerary, industrial, and maritime contexts uncovered during monitoring of development sites A perfume bottle from roman period found in Rabat