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Historical Aspect of the Għajn Centre

During excavation works in preparation for the construction of the Għajn Centre, very interesting archaeological findings were unearthed. The finds date back to the classical period, more specifically the Roman period, and consists of a rock-cut tomb, pottery amphorae containing human cremations at a mere distance of thirty metres and an ancient road running in a west- east direction, separating the two.

The ancient rock-cut tomb which was discovered on site is typical to the Punic and Roman periods and based on its typology and context, the tomb can be attributed more specifically to the Roman period. Other examples of such tombs were unearthed all around the Rabat area since the necropolis (ancient cemetery) was located outside of the ancient city walls.

The most important discovery made during the excavation of the grounds of the Għajn Centre was the uncovering of a large tract of ancient road; a first for Maltese archaeology. The road is in part cut into the bedrock surface, whilst in other parts it is built up with layers of deposited material. Archaeological investigations have shown that this road was built, or possibly repaired, in different phases. This road would appear to date to Roman times and would have linked the old town of Melita (Rabat and Mdina today) with the area of Għajn Klieb/Għajn Qajjet (where an important necropolis was located) passing en route along the edge of Wied Gheriexem.

The last discovery, which is equally special, that was made at the Centre consists of four cinerary urns, buried within a shallow hollow cut into the bedrock surface. This kind of funerary arrangement is rarely documented on the Maltese Islands since funerary urns are usually placed within the tomb chambers or abandoned ancient quarries. These types of urns contained the ashes of cremated human remains.

These archaeological discoveries were considered to be so important and interesting that that the Għajn building was specifically designed so as to integrate and incorporate these discoveries. The old tracks and the tomb are found in the underlying basement, where visitors can walk along and appreciate the features from a raised platform deck. The remains of the pit containing the urns can also be viewed from above through a glass floor in the open deck in front of the Information Centre. Information boards throughout this exhibit highlight the importance of these archaeological discoveries, which form part of the national cultural heritage, to the visitor.