Among the large number of archaeological and prehistoric sites all over Malta and Gozo with Mnajdra and Ghar Dalam to name a few, none remain more mysterious than the cart ruts. The cart ruts of Malta seem to be everywhere and in all kinds of environments, such as on hilly terrain, on rocky plateau, on cliff edges and sometimes by the sea. Each pair runs in parallel channels for a certain length and then disappear, often without an explainable reason. The best known and most extensive ones are those located near Għar il-Kbir, not far away from Buskett woods. Għar il-Kbir (informally known as Clapham Junction) is a prehistoric site in Siġġiewi, in the south of the Island of Malta, near the Dingli Cliffs. It is best known for its “cart ruts”, a complex network of tracks carved in the rock.
The age and purpose of the tracks is uncertain with estimates of their origins ranging from the Neolithic to Medieval times and all points in-between. Several researchers have suggested they may have been used in different periods perhaps even for different activities.
Similar tracks can be found in several sites on both the major islands. Research published in 2008 describes them as caused by wooden-wheeled carts eroding soft limestone. An analysis was made of the stresses that would have been caused by a cart which would fit the ruts.
There are many views as to what purpose cart ruts were used for. Scholars have so far not reached any definite consensus. However, all agree that these cart ruts were specially dug to facilitate the transportation of some bulky object on a cart or sled, over grounds that were not always easy to traverse.
