Il-Mument: Tangible Scientific Proof Needed

14 November 1999

It would normally be expected that revelations similar to those claimed by Hubert Zeitlmair would be substantiated by tangible scientific evidence as to the underwater structures he interprets as a megalithic temple. Ruben Grima wrote that in his opinion no proof was provided by Zeitlmair to substantiate his hypothesis. He also stated that, in his opinion, after the whole case has been portrayed relatively exaggerated by the media. According to information now received from the il-Mument, the museum department is researching the reports concerning this location located east of Malta. However, signs of bad weather this week have hampered the investigations. Research by Il-Mument shows that the Museum Department is rather negative about the initial efforts to engage in this report. It is still not clear whether the museum’s department will carry out any further inspections at the site of the Underwater Temple, or whether Zeitlmair will come up with any other kind of evidence for this structure and its theories.

The discovery of Zeitlmair was unveiled by il-Mument two weeks ago, and a film of the Underwater Temple was featured on Net TV. At the same time, various photos were published in the newspaper In-Nazzjon. Furthermore, information and photos can also be found on the Internet. This underwater site was found at 10 am on 13 July 1999 and made public during a meeting of the Interessengemeinschaft für Phenomena und Grenzwissenschaften in Augsburg, Germany.

This week Il-Mument has again interviewed the German Hubert Zeitlmair, who is still waiting for an appointment with the director of the museum. However, he has since met with Minister Louis Galea, where he presented information and details regarding the location of the temple along with his comments and thoughts. Zeitlmair is convinced that the structures are a “megalithic temple” and he remains convinced. He says that he was inspired by the works and writings of Zacheria Sitchin, and that he received valuable information from Joseph s: Ellul, an academician of Zurrieq archeology, during his research.

Joseph S. Ellul says that for 15 years he had known about the possible existence of an underwater structure when talking to a diver who dived in the area. Besides these, Ellul has an old areal photo in which he claims that the structure can be seen. Hubert Zeitlmair also points out that the find in the circles of foreign archaeologists was of interest and positive reactions, and he is fully aware of the position taken by the museum department. The find has also sparked the interest of the local group of archaeologists, as has happened in similar cases, who are trying to interpret what they saw in the video and photos.

The archaeological academics told Il-Mument that what they saw could not confirm whether or not there was a “temple” and that the whole affair merited further serious investigation. On the other hand, divers interviewed by our newspaper said that the movie they saw showed nothing extraordinary than that they have seen similar things in other parts of Malta.