GEORGETOWN: After the discovery of two cannons, a group of archaeologists and historians from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) found nine cannonballs at the archaeological site of Fort Cornwallis.
However, archaeologist Noridayu Bakry said the latest findings were not linked to the two cannons found on Feb 19 because they were of different sizes.
"All nine cannonballs were found in stages between Feb 26 and 28 and the sizes range between three centimeters (cm) and six cm.
"They are believed to be at least 200 years old and will be taken to USM for investigation and fact gathering,” he said at a media conference here today.
Last February, the same archaeological group discovered two cannons believed to be at least 200 years old at the same site of excavation at Fort Cornwallis.
The fort was built by the British East India Company in the late eighteenth century, and the cannons bear a symbol of King George III, who ruled Britain from 1760 to 1820.
The discovery might change the history of Fort Cornwallis which has always been assumed to be a peaceful city.
Commenting further, Noridayu said that based on latest findings, they hope to discover more historical materials of the site, which spans more than 0.4 hectares.
The search and digging work done since August last year was based on the original Fort Cornwallis map from 1877.
"We will strive to find more evidence to uncover the mystery and real role of the fortress,” Noridayu added.