Revisiting Ramla l-Ħamra Villa – New Discoveries and Observations on the Roman Villa Complex in Xagħra, Gozo

Christian Mifsud

doi:10.1515/opar-2020-0131

Abstract

Abstract The discovery of a set of ashlar blocks uncovered at the waters’ edge at Ramla l-Ħamra Bay in Gozo has prompted a series of assessments to understand if the exposed archaeological remains were an already known part of a Roman villa complex investigated in 1911 or whether these were a new addition. The study presents the results of the research undertaken through a series of on-site surveys and desktop studies confirming a new addition to the already known villa complex. The new discoveries are discussed within the light of the published sources and provide additional interpretations of the site. This study also provides an opportunity to reconsider the new discoveries and makes a case for a renewed interest for archaeological investigations which could shed more light on the remains of the Roman bathhouse as well as its environmental setting.

Highlights

Protected under the sand dunes, the remains of a Roman building investigated at Ramla l-Ħamra Bay in Xagħra, Gozo, have last seen the light of day more than a century ago
The study presents the results of research carried out between 2010 and 2017, undertaken by the author, the case officer at the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, to confirm the new extent to the already known villa remains following the discovery of some ashlar blocks
After a series of site surveys, and desktop studies, it was confirmed that the remains exposed by the sea do form an additional part to the villa complex investigated in 1911

Summary

Introduction

Protected under the sand dunes, the remains of a Roman building investigated at Ramla l-Ħamra Bay in Xagħra, Gozo, have last seen the light of day more than a century ago. The study proceeds by a reading of the newly made discoveries, making a case for a renewed interest for archaeological investigations of the site with the aim of providing a better picture of the complex through a detailed assessment of its layout. It can serve as a guide to establish a research agenda, which would need to be compiled should an on-site archaeological investigation be undertaken in the future

The Archaeological Remains

86 Christian Mifsud

Discovering New Remains

Revising the Remains Extent

Conclusion