He The Saflieni Hypogeum It stands out both for its amazing construction and for the physical and sensory effects it produces in visitors.
As described to the media Artnet News the archaeologist Fernando CoimbraThe sound reverberations in this ancient Maltese underground complex induce a deep feeling of relaxation that can hardly be described as casual.
Recent research claims that acoustic effects do not simply respond to the dimensions of space; On the contrary, they would be part of a rigorous design philosophy focused on sound and sensory experiences, perhaps serving spiritual or ceremonial purposes.
In the current context of monument preservation, this is Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni Climate change, the presence of water and algae growth pose challenges to the city that threaten its conservation status. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most important underground Neolithic sites. well preserved on the planet and the only one of its kind in all of Europe, underlining the historical and architectural uniqueness of the island Malta.
Inside there are perfectly polished chambers decorated with spiral motifs and honeycomb-like structures, finished in red ochre. These paintings, unique in Maltese prehistory, can be found in rooms such as the so-called “Oracle Room”. The architectural complex includes more than 150 square meters (1,600 square meters) spread over three levels, all painstakingly excavated Globigerin limestoneone of the two main native sedimentary rocks and much softer than the coral-like limestone that makes up much of the island’s surface.
The discovery of Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni It was complete coincidence: in 1902, some workers discovered it while excavating the foundations of an apartment block. When the news reached authorities and experts, parts of the facility were already damaged. The archaeological excavations, which lasted until 1911, made it possible to recover a remarkable variety of objects – ceramic vessels, jewelry, anthropozoomorphic figures – and abundant human bones, which apparently underwent pigmentation rituals with red ocher.
The site served as a communal grave for almost 1,500 years and housed up to 1,500 people 7,000 people At its busiest time, this is a burial practice quite different from other enclaves where corpses typically rest in separate rooms.
The massive deposition of human remains as well as the presence of traditional trousseau used to accompany the journey to the afterlife suggest the existence of complex beliefs and ritual uses.
Among the architectural elements, trilith-inspired entrances, false bastions and projecting roofs stand out, common features of Malta’s Neolithic architecture. However, one of the most researched aspects is related to acoustics: studies have found that curved and smooth walls maximize resonance at 110 Hz, a frequency that activates brain areas associated with intuition and emotions. According to Coimbra, the sound environment facilitated “relaxation” and would have served to alter the participants’ state of consciousness and give a spiritual dimension to the rituals developed in the depths of the hypogeum.
Photos: DEA / A. Dagli Orti / De Agostini
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