A delegation from Malta, consisting of representatives from Heritage Malta and the University of Malta, recently travelled to Israel to deliver lectures, conduct a workshop in underwater photogrammetry, and conduct exploratory fieldwork.
The University of Malta welcomed this successful collaboration with Israeli colleagues from the University Haifa in the field of underwater cultural heritage and Phoenician shipwreck research.
Prof. Timmy Gambin, associate professor in maritime archaeology and head of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit at Heritage Malta, presented the latest findings from the Phoenician shipwreck that was excavated off Gozo between 2018 and 2021.
The lecture covering the management of underwater cultural heritage was delivered by Maja Sausmekat.
The workshop in underwater photogrammetry, delivered by John Wood, provided hands-on training in the use of advanced imaging techniques for documenting submerged archaeological sites.
The delegation was hosted by Professor Gil Gambash and the Haifa Center for Mediterranean History.
The University said that the collaboration between Maltese and Israeli colleagues was excellent, with fruitful exchanges of knowledge, ideas, and expertise.
Fieldwork conducted during the visit at Caesarea Marittima was highly successful, with important observations being made thus furthering the understanding of approaches to the recording of large-scale underwater archaeological sites.
The University of Malta went on to say that, “notably, the Maltese Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Cecilia Attard Pirotta, attended two of the lectures delivered by the Maltese delegation, and expressed her support for the collaboration and the significance of the research being conducted.”
Prof. Timmy Gambin expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and productive collaboration with their Israeli counterparts.
He said that, “we are thrilled to have had this opportunity to work with our colleagues in Israel, and the success of our fieldwork and lectures highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing our understanding of underwater cultural heritage. This collaboration has been a wonderful example of how archaeologists from different countries can come together to exchange knowledge, share research ideas, and contribute to the global understanding of maritime archaeology.”
The University remarked that “the delegation from Malta has returned with valuable insights and ideas from their visit to Israel, which will contribute to ongoing research and future collaborations in the field of underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology.”
Photo: University of Malta