Important archaeological find made in Kirkop

An important archaeological find was made in Kirkop during the construction of a new secondary school in the area.

According to a government statement, the archaeological remains include at least seven ancient tombs in the rocks. Furthermore it seems that some of the tombs date back to the early Roman period and there seem to be suggestions that some Christian catacombs have also been found. 

The statement explains that the tombs were found in Triq il- Paleo Kristjani, close to already well-known tombs.

“The new school is a project by the Foundation of Schools for Tomorrow, under the Education ministry, and the early stages of constructions will be overseen by an archeologist under the direction of the superintendent for cultural heritage,” the statement reads.

The statement explains that the two entities would be working together to review the plans for the school and protect the remains while integrating them with the building itself.

 “The work carried out so far has included the removal of soil to uncover rocks, as well as the placing of foundations for the school. A decision was also made to remove soil off a greater are to ensure that the remains were systematically uncovered,” the statement adds explaining that it was during this process that the ancient tombs were uncovered.

The government added that aside from the change in designs, the study, documentation and intensive surveying of the land to be used for the school had also started.

“These studies will also allow certain decisions to be taken around protecting the remains and building the school at the same time,” it added, further explaining that investigations were still on-going and that further discoveries were not excluded.

 The government added that it wasn’t the first time that an important archeological discovery had been made in the Kirkop area.

“Small catacombs had been discovered in 1967 in nearby triq taz- Zebbiegh,” the statement added explaining that the remains were being protected and that the foundation and superintendence were now working with MEPA to change some of the permits around the school’s construction.