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View Full Version : Archived: Roman Apiaries, Xemxija, Malta, 29-2-2012



Wookie
01-03-2012, 12:16 PM
Behind the town of Xemxija (Shem-Shee-Ya) in northern Malta is a heritage trail, with roman roads, cave dwellings, and 3 roman apiaries (bee-hives) all within 200 metres of each other.

Here is a report on the apiaries, which are freely accessible to the public. The roman word for honey was Mel. Which is supposed to be the basis of the island name of Malta - The land of honey.

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The outside of the first apiary. In 2 sections, as seen from the (small) doors.

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Close up view of one of the alcoves, showing the entrances for the bees.

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Inside the apiary. My wife shows the size. The back wall is solid rock, with stone built frontage.

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Inside one of the alcoves, showing the holes where the bees come in.

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One of the alcoves re-constructed with terracotta pots where the bees would form their honey-combs.

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The 2nd, much older apiary.

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Inside the 2nd apiary, showing the much rougher construction.

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The third apiary. Again of a different construction style.

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Inside the third apiary.

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Another view of the inner construction of the third apiary

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Looking out towards the doorway.