/library/oar/handle/123456789/36083 2026-06-12T03:49:05Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/51468 Title: The gateway to honour a history of classics at the University of Malta from 1800 to 1979 Abstract: Joining a vibrant area within Classical Reception that explores the role of Classics and classical learning in a colonial environment, this thesis situates Classics in the educational and political history of Malta during the British era (1800-1979). While making use of a varied range of published, archival, and oral sources, it traces the history of Latin and Greek as academic subjects, primarily at the University of Malta, but also at other teaching institutions, in an island where Latin was essentially the domain of the Catholic Church. Both the bio-bibliographical account of the scholarly protagonists, and the analysis of the development of classical curricula and teaching methodologies, serve to fit Classics in the history of Maltese pedagogy within the socio-political framework of the times. Within this educational context, the study also seeks to investigate the interaction between Classics and politics in a period fraught with growing sentiments of nationalism and the struggle for a cultural identity. Encased as Latin was in the religio-cultural notions of Italianità, this thesis argues that seldom if ever did Classics in Malta manage to produce a real and explicit effect outside the purely educational environment. The situation provides a unique and interesting study in Classical Reception and the rise of modern nationalism in a small Mediterranean island with a long history. Description: PH.D.CLASSICS 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/40575 Title: Archaeology, archaeogenetics, and identity genetic research within the Maltese context Abstract: The discipline of archaeology is historically bound to identity, be it national, ethnic or otherwise. Such a bond is inherently political. This means that archaeology is also a political activity. As one of the most recent developments in archaeology – and amongst the most consequential – archaeogenetics can also contribute to politics. Indeed, archaeogenetic discoveries are adding a new dimension to questions of identity. The close relationship between archaeogenetics and identity is attested by the vast amounts of studies that are being carried out, both on the micro- (Maltese and European genetic make-up) and macro-scale (human and Neanderthal genome). Given the current political climate in Europe and Malta, which has seen a steady rise in nationalistic and xenophobic sentiments, as well as the sensitive nature of the subject matter, archaeogenetic discoveries can provoke a wide range of reactions. It is the intention of this study, therefore, to explore the public perception of archaeogenetic discoveries in the European and Maltese context, particularly its socio-political implications. In addition, the study will also investigate the consequences of archaeogenetic research, by examining the discipline’s development, in theory and in practice, as well as its impact on the broader discipline of archaeology. Description: B.A.(HONS)ARCHAEOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/37897 Title: Assessing conservation options for wrought iron RML cannon found submerged at Fort Ricasoli, Malta Abstract: Marine iron artefacts are particularly vulnerable to rapid corrosion due to factors pertaining to their metallurgy and manufacture, surrounding environmental conditions, and when in the contact with other metals exhibiting higher electrochemical potentials (more noble). In order to preserve them for future generations, active strategies aimed at prolonging their lifespan involving stabilisation and conservation, must be implemented. Three historic 19th-century iron Rifled Muzzle Loading cannon may presently be found in an underwater setting beneath a natural rock formation off Malta’s Fort Ricasoli. This thesis explores their history, chronology, deposition, and current status. Three feasible solutions are hereby proposed for their conservation including: recovery and conservation, temporary relocation and future recovery, or permanent relocation and the creation of a recreational dive trail site. These options take into consideration the environmental factors affecting their stability, their assessed level of significance, and the relative expense entailed for each option. Due to a number of reasons that will be explained, the most advantageous option in the near future is for these cannon to be relocated, and then revisited with funding for a long-term plan. Description: M.A.GLOBAL MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/37894 Title: Maltese iconography : a contextual analysis of unrecorded ship graffiti near Triq il-Wied, Qormi Abstract: This thesis concerns the recording of a previously unrecorded ship graffiti site in Qormi, Malta. The depiction of ships through historic incisions represents an important iconographic source of ship types and maritime history. Threats faced by graffiti sites are manifold, and increased rates of construction and renovation jeopardise the graffiti of historic buildings. Through the adoption of a graffiti recording method, ship lines were traced from the detailed incisions with specific vessel types identified. This research presents a number of key findings including: an assemblage of graffiti depicting corsairing, merchant and naval vessels. International examples of vessels are depicted including several Levantine ship types. The main conclusions from this research are that the depiction of vessels through the details of sails, rigging and flags, strongly suggests knowledge of the operation of a vessel and its features. The presentation of archival research supports the notion of a non-coastal maritime influence on individuals from Qormi. This dissertation recommends the implementation of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) technology to further record degraded examples of historic graffiti. Description: M.A.GLOBAL MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z