Archaeoacoustic Analysis of Tarxien Temples in Malta

Paolo Debertolis*, Nina Earl**, Maja Zivić***

 *Department of Medical Sciences - University of Trieste, Italy

**SB Research Group, scientific assistant, London, UK

***National Museum Zaječar, Curator of Roman Palace Felix Romuliana, Gamzigrad, Serbia

Abstract - The Tarxien Temples in Malta were analysed from an archaeoacoustic point of view. As there is no roof present, it was not possible to find the resonance properties of the various chambers.  This investigation however, discovered an interesting low vibration originating from below the ground. The most likely explanation of its origin is due to the movement of underground water through geological faults.  This vibration appears to be transmitted through the megaliths, some of which have concavities or carved holes. Previous archaeological interpretation, has suggested these were likely to have been used to support the foundations of some sort of barrier or door, but without any supporting evidence. Using archaeoacoustic methods a new interpretation of these architectonic particularities is put forward, acting as some type of forerunner to speakers.

Keywords - Tarxien Temples, Malta, stone circle, resonance, brain activity, megalithic architecture.

Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology, ISSN 2334-2420 (Print Version) 2334-2439 (Online Version), vol. 4 n.1, pp 7-27, 2016

You can find the article draft in English here.

You can find the published article (E-Publication First^TM) on the Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology here.

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