AIMS has supported and participated in a number of research projects aimed at garnering a better understanding of the maritime history and traditions of the Mediterranean. The focus of this research is in four main fields:

1. Coastal reconstruction
2. Ancient harbours
3. Maritime Traditions
4. Maritime Iconography

Coastal reconstruction
Over the past years, Timmy Gambin has formed part of an international group which works on the gathering, processing and sharing of data related to the reconstruction of ancient coastlines. Working under the general coordination of Professor C. Morhange from the Centre Européen de Recherche et d’Enseignement des Géosciences de l’Environnement (C E R E G E ) various members of the group have collected data from places as far a field as Portugal, Lebanon, Malta, Spain, France and Italy.

To date, a number of cores have been taken in Malta and the samples retrieved are currently being analyzed in Malta and France. The initial results from these cores are proving promising and are shedding light on two very important ancient harbours on Malta. Furthermore, these cores will also provide comparative data from a small island context for scholars studying silted harbours elsewhere. To see some images from the coastal reconstruction project click here (research 1 photo series).

Ancient Harbours
A project was undertaken together with the Universities of Malta and Southampton to reconstruct the ancient Roman harbour complex at Marsa in Malta. Data gathered in the course of intensive research covering the area has been processed by Gareth Beale from the University of Southampton. The main idea behind this research project was to gather the fragmented information available for this important port complex and put together a 3D model that would enable a better understanding of the harbour layout and structures. To view the 3D layout please click here (3D movie file).

Maritime Traditions
AIMS is currently gathering data related to the various maritime traditions of the Mediterranean region. These traditions include boats and boatbuilding, fishing, religion, gastronomy, storytelling and folklore A variety of formats are utilized for the gathering and storing of such information. These include photography, interviews and short films. For a photographic record of the Fiesta del Carmen of Cartagena please click here (research 3 photo series).

Maritime Iconography
For millennia, the sea has played a crucial role in the lives of humans. It is therefore not surprising that boats and ships have, at least 1600 BC, been featured as subjects for iconographic representations. Ships and boats have been painted, incised and also depicted in intricate mosaics. Over the millennia, ship representations of various sorts have been used as votive offerings of thanksgiving for safe journeys. In other cases, the ship has been included as part of a visual representation of an event (such as a battle) as well as a simple decorative feature. To see some iconographic representation of ships and boats please click here (research 4 photo series).