Heritage Malta has announced the sad news of the passing of Professor Lord Colin Renfrew at 87, a distinguished British archaeologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on prehistoric civilisations. A pioneer of the cognitive approach in archaeology, he made significant contributions that shaped the field.

Among his many achievements, Professor Renfrew’s work on radiocarbon dating stands out, particularly in relation to the Maltese Islands. In 1973, his publication ‘Before Civilisation: The Radiocarbon Revolution and Prehistoric Europe’ revolutionised our understanding of prehistory by applying calibration techniques to radiocarbon dates from various archaeological sites.

It was through this work that Renfrew first identified the Maltese megalithic sites as among the oldest buildings in the world, highlighting their crucial role in the development of architecture. His insights continue to influence the field today, and Malta remains deeply indebted to his vision and expertise.

Condolences to Professor Renfrew’s loved ones and colleagues