Heritage Malta has signed an agreement with Dr Amelia R. Brown and the Grand Hotel Excelsior for the commencement of The Domvs Romana Melitensis Archaeological Research Project, which will bring about a better understanding of the archaeological site known as the Domvs Romana in Rabat, and the remains in its immediate vicinity. This rebuilt ancient building, also known as the Roman Villa, is a unique source of information for the ancient city of Melita, the center of Malta’s population throughout Punic and Roman antiquity.

The agreement, apart from catering for new excavations in various areas of archaeological importance within and around the Domvs Romana, will also involve better documentation and publication of the finds recovered from excavations carried out by the University of California in the area commonly known as Museum Esplanade.

One of the main aims of the project is the collection of all data pertaining to the area of the Domvs Romana, both to satisfy the research objectives and to publish information about this important urban area of ancient Malta. A database of all finds for this area will be created, and existing stratigraphic levels wil be reviewed in light of existing features and with a view to consolidating existing references and presenting them to the public.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior is the main sponsor of the project and has become a Preferred Partner of Heritage Malta. As a result of this agreement the hotel will be contributing a minimum of €10,000 per year for the duration of three years.

Dr Brown has a Ph.D. in Ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology from University of California, Berkeley, and years of experience in excavation of important archaeological sites, especially at Corinth under the auspices of The American School of Classical Studies at Athens.

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