Human tooth found in ancient shipwreck off Gozo
A human tooth has been found buried in the lower sediment of a Phoenician shipwreck, found off Gozo 14 years ago, in a discovery that could have huge archeological repercussions. The tooth – a lower, right, first molar – is the first human remains found on the Phoenician wreck discovered in 2007, explained marine archeologist Timmy Gambin, who is also the project director of the Phoenician Shipwreck Project. So far, local dental experts believe the tooth belonged to a young person since it had little wear and the internal pulp chamber was large. “This is the first human remains found on this wreck. The implications are huge. We are looking to collaborate with international experts to first try to carbon date the tooth.... Next, we will look at DNA to try to determine any possible links with modern Maltese genetics, try to determine the origin and so much more,” Gambin said. It could also help possibly give more insight of the people on board the ship. The wreck was one of only seven discovered Phoenician shipwrecks in the world. Various archaeological remains, including amphorae, were found on the Phoenician shipwreck off Xlendi Bay. PHOTO: JOHN WOOD/UNIVERSITY OF MALTA The...