The Xagħra Circle

The Xagħra Circle is the only known mass-burial site from Neolithic Gozo. It was first excavated between 1987 and 1994 by an Anglo-Maltese team of archaeologists. The site consists of a concentration of natural caves in very friable rock that were modified to accommodate entire generations of burials. The rich repertoire of finds discovered at the Xagħra Circle is what makes it a truly exceptional site.

Besides a large concentration of human remains, archaeologists also discovered a vast quantity of grave goods. These consisted of ceramics, tools, ornaments and miniature statuettes. Although coming from a funerary context and therefore having played a ritual function, many of these objects would have been functional both as personal objects and in daily life.