The Lure of the Antique

Essays on Malta and Mediterranean Archaeology in Honour of Anthony Bonanno

edited by N. C. Vella, A. J. Frendo and H. C. R. Vella

Book cover: The Lure of the Antique

Extent: 399 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Ancient Near East, Classical Studies, Mediterranean Archaeology

Series: Ancient Near Eastern Studies Supplement Series

Series volume number: 54

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(December 2018)

ISBN: 9789042936171

Price: $138.00

In stock

PDF (Published)

(December 2018)

ISBN: 9789042938243

Price: $173.00

The Maltese islands occupy a distinctive place in the knowledge-scape of antiquarianism and archaeology. Exceptional prehistoric monuments and extraordinary remains from later periods-Phoenician, Punic, and Roman-have continued to lure researchers to this tiniest of Mediterranean archipelagos. This collection of twenty-four papers is presented to an outstanding scholar, Anthony Bonanno, by his colleagues, former students, and friends to celebrate his remarkable achievements in the study of ancient Malta. The papers reflect his broad range of interests over a career spanning fifty years that in many respects shaped the direction of archaeology on the islands.


The Maltese islands occupy a distinctive place in the knowledgescape of antiquarianism and archaeology. Exceptional prehistoric monuments and extraordinary remains from later periods – Phoenician, Punic, and Roman – have continued to lure researchers to this tiniest of Mediterranean archipelagos. This collection of twenty-four papers is presented to an outstanding scholar, Anthony Bonanno, by his colleagues, former students, and friends to celebrate his remarkable achievements in the study of ancient Malta. The papers reflect his broad range of interests over a career spanning fifty years that in many respects shaped the direction of archaeology on the islands. They bridge prehistoric and classical studies, and tackle diverse topics that place the archipelago in its Mediterranean context: antiquarianism, palaeo-ecology, contextual studies, art and architecture, artefact studies, technology, economy, and identity. An epilogue written by a number of friends is a reflection of the honorand’s passion for travel, discovery and engagement with people from all walks of life.

  • Edited by A. J. Frendo
  • Edited by H. C. R. Vella
  • Edited by N. C. Vella