/library/oar/handle/123456789/47978 2026-01-01T01:19:36Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/95299 Title: From the hangar to the seabed : the airscape of the Maltese islands during the Second World War Abstract: While concepts of landscape have been firmly incorporated within terrestrial and maritime archaeology for decades, they have yet to be fully utilised in studying the impact of aviation. In this thesis, building upon previous studies within landscape, maritime, aviation, conflict and historical archaeology, a number of unique aviation aspects for studying the aviation cultural landscape and airscape of Malta during its active participation in the Second World War are identified. Historical and archaeological data gathered within this framework is then analysed to both chart the changing aviation cultural landscape and airscape in Malta and to postulate correlations and patterns that can be found through this analysis. The result is a new interpretation on a seminal event in Malta’s history, one that combines the perspectives of those on all sides and from all walks of life to create a truly holistic reimagining of how aviation affected the cognitive and physical landscape of Malta in the first half of the 20th century. In doing so, new information and insights are revealed which shed new light upon long-familiar ground to uncover the true depth of how aviation has radically altered the cultural landscape of Malta. For the first time, the concept of an explicitly stated and defined aviation cultural landscape and airscape is proven and shown to be a valid and invaluable tool for examining the past. In doing so, it acts as a model for examining other aviation cultural landscapes and airscapes around the world. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/91573 Title: Liquid melody : an archaeology of the Homeric Sirens and maritime navigation in the Graeco-Roman world Abstract: This thesis suggests that the Sirens in Homer’s Odyssey represent hazards experienced by Graeco-Roman seafarers. It discusses ancient navigation and then draws parallels between the Siren episode, the realities of maritime travel, and the physical environment of the Mediterranean. The discussion of Homeric geography places the Sirens at dangerous points in the sea lane along the Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy. These passages are characterised by narrow channels, high cliffs, and unpredictable currents and wind. Siren cults were established at the site of these topographic features. This ritualisation of the landscape cannot be separated from navigation, Greek expansion westwards, and the historical importance of the port cities of Magna Graecia. It curates iconographic evidence to provide a holistic overview of the various functions of the Siren symbol. The methodology is inspired by the maritime cultural landscape approach. First, the discussion of seascapes describes the topographic, hydrological and meteorological influences on seafaring at each location associated with the Sirens. Second, the shipwreck record is examined in the context of the physical environment. The key findings involve possible links between the geographic location of the Sirens and material evidence for difficulty at sea. Ultimately, this thesis argues that Sirens can be understood as cognitive agents within the maritime cultural landscape. Description: M.A. (Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/91536 Title: The defensive landscape of Ramla Bay in the 18th century Abstract: The Order of St John has shaped the Maltese Islands to protect them from barbaric invasions. By investing heavily in coastal fortifications, they seek to safeguard the islands and its sheltered harbours. Throughout their reign, various coasts along the island saw the emergence of fortifications equipped with advanced weaponry and artillery. The focus of this research is on the coastal fortifications of Ramla Bay, which was fortified mainly during the 18th century. The bay has the only standing underwater defence wall on the islands, presumably used to hinder the entrance of invading fleets. Geospatial information systems (GIS) and photogrammetry were used to assess the bay from an aerial perspective and point out features of degradation. The firing range of the guns equipped was drawn on a GIS model to assess the coverage of the bay while taking into account the distances between one fortification and another. The guns were also grouped together in chronological order to allow for better understanding of their allocations. The research also discusses the use of unmanned automated vehicles (UAVs) for shallow water exploration and how it is ideal for research on the rate of the degradation the bay experiences. Description: M.A. (Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/82511 Title: Animals in the Maltese Neolithic : a social zooarchaeological study of faunal representations and remains Abstract: Archaeological material relating to animals is recorded in virtually all prehistoric sites in Malta, taking the form of actual faunal remains or zoomorphic representations. The presence of this material in both ritual and funerary contexts suggests that, like in many other Neolithic cultures, animals in Neolithic Malta played social and symbolic roles which often went beyond a utilitarian need for subsistence. Social zooarchaeology was applied as a method to explore these symbolic roles reflected in the archaeological record, using a contextual reading of both faunal remains and representations as a basis for interpretation. Throughout the Neolithic, it was possible to trace certain characteristics and suggest possible rituals as well as create a general sense of how the relationship with animals evolved. The general picture seems to be mostly consistent throughout the phases, suggesting that Neolithic Maltese inhabitants emphasized domestic animals and rejected other food sources, both due to the constraints of the environment but also possibly as a way of consolidating their Neolithic identity. Wild animals like fish and birds, although rare in the record, feature prominently in representations towards the end of the Neolithic, suggesting a symbolic significance possibly related to totemism or cosmology. The assemblages of the Late Neolithic especially offer insight into the centrality of animals in ritual, with remains and representations abundant at both temple and funerary sites. It is clear that animals, throughout all Neolithic phases, served purposes beyond those of simple subsistence and were involved intimately in both the life and death of the Neolithic Maltese. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z