Ancient anchors from Malta and Gozo

By: Elaine Azzopardi, Timmy Gambin, Renata Zerafa

In 2011, the national archaeological collection managed by Heritage Malta included 24 lead anchor stocks. They are the remains of ancient wooden anchors used on boats that sheltered in the harbours and bays of the Maltese Islands. This paper includes a gazetteer documenting these stocks with the aim of highlighting their value to maritime archaeology and to create a tool that will facilitate further study.