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.