Call to classify the archaeological site of Malako as a national heritage
Algerian researchers in archeology called, Thursday in Algiers , for the need to expedite the classification of the newly discovered "Melacco" site in the state of Bejaia in the list of national archaeological sites in order to protect it and allow deepening research in the history of the region.
Arezki Bukhnov, a professor at the Institute of Archeology at the University of Algiers 2, said during a lecture at the National Public Museum of Ancient Antiquities and Islamic Arts, on "The archaeological site of Malako between history and archaeological discoveries", that after the discovery of the site of "Malako" in 2014 in Bejaia, and after confirming its historical importance , "Today it has become necessary to classify it in the list of national heritage archaeological sites in order to protect it in accordance with the legal texts governing cultural heritage."
The classification of this site in the national heritage list, according to the spokesman, will enable it to be exploited "in a way that benefits scientific research as well as investing in it culturally and touristically, not to mention being a living witness to an important historical era in the country."
Mr. Bukhnov explained that the newly discovered Malako site,Bejaia , and is characterized by its distinctive and prominent location on a high plateau of 132 meters above sea level, overlooking the Soumam Valley.
This site was discovered following the completion of the East-West Highway project, where the researchers began to excavate and carry out the first investigations to determine the date of the establishment of the place and its role. The first data showed that the matter was related to the residence of one of the heirs of the barbarian king, Nubal, who served during the Fermos revolution (370 and 375 AD) against the Romans in the late fourth century AD.
Malako, according to the speaker, is a large palace resembling a city with multiple appurtenances and a castle that protects the inhabitants who were likely to work in the field of vineyards and olive cultivation.
For his part, Dr. Waamar Ashouchen, from the University of Algiers 2, believes that the excavation and deepening of research in this site "showed to researchers the need for Algeria to intensify archaeological research at the national level," stressing in the same context that the classification of this archaeological site is within the list of protected national monuments. Malako will be given the historical status it deserves and will highlight the economic and social importance of that period on the land of Algeria and expand studies on viticulture in that period.
Source : websites