Età del Bronzo by Museo Archeologico Santadi
GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 2014
“Carignano del Sulcis” is a much appreciated wine, ruby red with a dry,
sapid and harmonious fla... more “Carignano del Sulcis” is a much appreciated wine, ruby red with a dry,
sapid and harmonious flavour. It is produced exclusively from vineyards trained as
alberate and trellised alberate. The area of production, which includes all
administrative territories of many Sulcis communities, features a complex and varied
landscape from the geological and geomorphological standpoints. It has a high degree
of geodiversity and density of sites of great geomorphological and landscape interest
whose salient characteristics are described below. The work presents the results of an
inventory of the natural (geosites, geomorphosites, parks and nature reserves) and
cultural heritage (archaeological sites, industrial archaeology sites, sites of architectural,
historic and traditional interest) classified and georeferenced within their landscape
units, together with a part of the wine-producing areas. From the overall picture of the
heritage emerges a high degree of multiplicity of the natural and cultural heritage that
may play an important role as a possible motor for truly sustainable development from
the standpoint of geo- and cultural tourism more in general.
Carbonia e il Sulcis. Archeologia e territorio, 1995
Heliyon, 2022
An important Bronze Age settlement was discovered during an archaeological excavation in the Mont... more An important Bronze Age settlement was discovered during an archaeological excavation in the Monte Meana karst cave in southwestern Sardinia (Italy) between 2007 and 2012. In this region, the caves were used since the Neolithic for different purposes, such as burials or other rituals. The dig highlighted a rare example of domestic use of a cave and showed a case study of household space of the Early-Middle Bronze Age, at the beginning of the Nuragic civilization. This provided the opportunity to investigate through a multidisciplinary approach, the empirical knowledge of ancient potters and technological characters of local pottery production especially in relation to domestic use, in a context at that time devoid of external cultural interferences. For this purpose, a selection of 24 pottery sherds related to vessel forms for cooking, storage, and eating were studied through macroscopic surveys and archaeometric analysis by petrography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed some discriminant variables (shape, wall thickness, features of the paste, surface smoothing, presence of diagnostic mineralogical phases, and tempers), within the ceramic products of this Sardinian Bronze Age site, showing skillful management of firing temperatures.
Atti L Riunione Scientifica IIPP Preistoria del cibo, 2021
In the historical region of Sulcis, south-west Sardinia, the
karst cave of Monte Meana – Santadi ... more In the historical region of Sulcis, south-west Sardinia, the
karst cave of Monte Meana – Santadi has been investigated. The landscape around the cave is characterized by
cultivated felds and grazing. An archaeological survey was conducted in two distinct sectors of the cave where
were identifed two domestic areas dated between early and middle Bronze Age (2017-1751 cal BC and 1914-
1641 cal BC). In these areas charred seeds of cereals, legumes and wild fruits have been found. The variety of
fndings denotes a dynamic use of the land close to the cave. The pollen analyses carried out in this archaeological site show an environment very similar to the present. We have thus tried to identify through a territorial
model developed in GIS environment based on the costs of travel between the site and resources (cost surface
analysis) and visual (viewshed analysis) the pedological soils suitable for agricultural use. The results showed
a close relation of the human group with its territory according to the agricultural exploitation.
Networks of trade in raw materials and technological innovations in Prehistory and Protohistory, 2016
A metalwork station and metal artifacts were found in 2012 during the excavation of a south weste... more A metalwork station and metal artifacts were found in 2012 during the excavation of a south western Sardinia cave, in Italy. Numerous charcoals, smelting slags and a dagger, coming from a probable bowl furnace, were found. These remains are typologically related to the middle bronze age manufacturing, as confirmed by 14 C dating. To reconstruct the ancient metallurgical technology, an archaeometric study was performed by chemical (pXRF, ICP-OES) and mineralogical (PXRD, microscopy) techniques. The results showed that all finds are made primarily of Cu, Fe and Pb with several trace elements. The main part of these analytes is due to the mineral charge. Microscopic analyses show gangue fragments and minerals comparable to the ones noticed in the mixed sulphides ores close to the cave. PXRD patterns and polarizing microscopy indicate metallurgical temperatures ranging from 600-700°C to 1100°C.
PlosOne, 2016
The identification of archaeological charred grape seeds is a difficult task due to the alteratio... more The identification of archaeological charred grape seeds is a difficult task due to the alteration of the morphological seeds shape. In archaeobotanical studies, for the correct discrimination between Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris and Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera grape seeds it is very important to understand the history and origin of the domesticated grapevine. In this work, different carbonisation experiments were carried out using a hearth to reproduce the same burning conditions that occurred in archaeological contexts. In addition, several carbonisation trials on modern wild and cultivated grape seeds were performed using a muffle furnace. For comparison with archaeological materials, modern grape seed samples were obtained using seven different temperatures of carbonisation ranging between 180 and 340ºC for 120 min. Analysing the grape seed size and shape by computer vision techniques, and applying the stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method, discrimination of the wild from the cultivated charred grape seeds was possible. An overall correct classification of 93.3% was achieved. Applying the same statistical procedure to compare modern charred with archaeological grape seeds, found in Sardinia and dating back to the Early Bronze Age (2017-1751 2σ cal. BC), allowed 75.0% of the cases to be identified as wild grape. The proposed method proved to be a useful and effective procedure in identifying, with high accuracy, the charred grape seeds found in archaeological sites. Moreover, it may be considered valid support for advances in the knowledge and comprehension of viticulture adoption and the grape domestication process. The same methodology may also be successful when applied to other plant remains, and provide important information about the history of domesticated plants.
Archaeometry, 2015
Investigation of a prehistoric settlement in the southwestern Sardinia area attests to human occu... more Investigation of a prehistoric settlement in the southwestern Sardinia area attests to human occupation by the Nuragic civilization in a cave during the Early and Middle Bronze Age. An occasional human presence is recorded from the Early Bronze Age and a continued one relating to rural (cultivation, storage) and domestic (ceramic, metallurgy) activities is documented in the Middle Bronze Age. These distinct settlement phases have been radiocarbondated and palynologically recognized. In addition, pollen analysis suggests that a degraded forest was present during the Middle Bronze Age in south Sardinia prior to central Sardinia, which is probably related to a hot climate and a regime of low annual precipitation. The data reveal a climate-induced deforestation phase that is likely to be emphasized by anthropogenic pressure.
L Riunione Scientifica dell'Istituto Italiano di Preistoria e Protostoria "La Preistoria del cibo", 2015
A TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS FOR A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXPLOITATION OF A EARLY BRONZE AG... more A TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS FOR A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXPLOITATION OF A EARLY BRONZE AGE COMMUNITY OF SOUTH WESTERN SARDINIA-In the historical region of Sulcis, southwest Sardinia, was investigated the karst cave Monte Meana-Santadi. The cave is located in an environment characterized by an area where the River Murrecci flow at the time used for agriculture and grazing, and a mountainous area characterized by Mediterranean "macchia". Through two main routes of travel you can easily reach the coastline. The archaeological survey carried out in two distinct sectors of the cave has identified two areas of attendance dated to the early and middle stage of the Bronze Age. The archeological excavation returned charred seeds (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum monococcum, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Vitis sylvestris, Ficus carica) and seashells (Paracentrotus lividus, Cardium echinatum). The variety of findings denotes a dynamic land use next to the cave. It is therefore attempted, through a territorial model developed in GIS environment, based on the costs of travel between the site and resources (cost surface analysis) and visual (viewshed analysis), to identify areas suitable for finding these resources for agricultural use and the relationship with the air supply for coastal marine life. The results showed a close relation of the human group with its territory according to the agricultural exploitation and marine collection.
Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 2014
This paper presents new archaeobotanical data from six sites in Sardinia, Italy, dated to the Bro... more This paper presents new archaeobotanical data from six sites in Sardinia, Italy, dated to the Bronze Age (2000-1100 cal. BC). A total of 978 l of sediment has been sampled and 23,008 items retrieved. The study reveals the presence of cereals (Hordeum vulgare, H. vulgare var. nudum, Triticum monococcum and T. aestivum/durum), legumes (Lathyrus sativus/cicera, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba), and wild plants such as Ficus carica, Fragaria sp., Rubus sp., Prunus spinosa, Vitis vinifera, Myrtus communis, Juniperus oxycedrus and Pistacia lentiscus, providing substantial information on the agricultural practices of the first Nuragic communities during the Bronze Age in Sardinia.
Atti della XLIV Riunione Scientifica dell'Istituto Italiano di Preistoria e Protostoria, 2012
Età fenicio-punica by Museo Archeologico Santadi
D. Frère, B. Del Mastro, P. Munzi, C. Pouzadoux (eds.), Manger, boire, se parfumer pour l’éternité. Rituels alimentaires et odorants en Italie et en Gaule du IXe siècle avant au Ier siècle après J.-C., 2021
Manger, boire, se parfumer pour l'éternité : rituels alimentaires et odorants en Italie et en Gau... more Manger, boire, se parfumer pour l'éternité : rituels alimentaires et odorants en Italie et en Gaule du IX e siècle avant au I er siècle après J.-C. / sous la direction de
Bollettino di Archeologia online, 2021
Il complesso archeologico di Pani Loriga (fig. 1) si trova nell'attuale territorio comunale di Sa... more Il complesso archeologico di Pani Loriga (fig. 1) si trova nell'attuale territorio comunale di Santadi (SU), nella Sardegna sud-occidentale. Sul finire del VII secolo a.C. una comunità mista sardo-fenicia prese possesso dell'altura-frequentata sin dal IV millennio a.C. dalle popolazioni locali-per motivi strategici dovuti alla sua posizione di raccordo fra la linea di 5 www.bollettinodiarcheologiaonline.beniculturali.it Reg.
BOLLETTINO DI ARCHEOLOGIA ON LINE, 2021
This paper illustrates the results of the first two excavation campaigns (2016, 2017) in a sector... more This paper illustrates the results of the first two excavation campaigns (2016, 2017) in a sector of the Phoenician and Punic settlement of Pani Loriga (Santadi, Sardinia): the area of the s.c. "Casematte" (Area C), located along a terrace flanking the "acropolis". Activity focused on "ambiente 1", the first of a series of eleven rectangular structures. These were identified and partially explored in the late 1960s by Ferruccio Barreca and Giovanni Tore, who also assigned them a defensive function. On the basis of the stratigraphic sequence recognized so far-it should be emphasized that the excavation is still in progress-it is now possible to date the use of the "ambiente 1" between early 5 th and 4 th centuries BC. The finding of particular objects, such as a kernos, associated with rooster and deer bones and river pebbles, and of many domestic artifacts, concentrated in a small structure near the NW corner, led us to propose that ritual activities took place in this area. However, only further investigations will explain the function of the structure, as well as of the entire complex.
Terra, legno e materiali deperibili nell’architettura antica Clay, Timber and Perishable Materials in Ancient Architecture, 2021
The Phoenicians, in their move towards the West, brought with them different cultural customs wel... more The Phoenicians, in their move towards the West, brought with them different cultural customs well
reflected both in terms of material culture and architectural traditions and building techniques. The
study of architectural features throughout the Punic West Mediterranean can certainly be considered
a new approach that a young generation of scholars holds to identify all those processes of contact and
cultural contamination that characterize the Mediterranean of the first millennium BC. It is well known
that the material culture is not a static phenomenon and that in most cases it evolves and reinvents
itself. This paper will address, particularly, the process of evolution of the mud brick architecture; that,
even though has always been considered as an almost exclusive feature of Near Eastern Architecture,
thanks to several new excavations, is now well attested also in the Western Mediterranean. In Punic
contexts, the use of mud brick architecture can actually be traced back to the first contacts between
the local populations of Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Levantine peoples.
However some differences in the use of this technique can be effectively noted. In Sardinia, the
architecture in raw clay blends with that in stone and produces a new logic of settlement arrangement;
in a similar way, in Andalusia the unbaked clay architecture maintains its peculiarities but seems to
change its dimensional system, to meet a special need. Therefore, through the analysis of the
unpublished documentation of Pani Loriga (Sardinia), Cerro Macareno (Spain) and Kharayeb
(Lebanon), this work will analyze the impact of the Oriental mudbrick technique on the local regional
building traditions and the change produced in the construction methods of the different regions.
Un viaje entre el Oriente y el Occidente del Mediterráneo, 2020
El presente volumen recoge parte de las contribuciones presentadas durante el IX Congreso Interna... more El presente volumen recoge parte de las contribuciones presentadas durante el IX Congreso Internacional de Estudios Fenicios y Púnicos que tuvo lugar en Mérida entre los días 22 y 26 de octubre de 2018. Este encuentro, reúne cada cuatro años a los mayores especialistas en el conocimiento de las Culturas Fenicia y Púnica. Estos cuatro volúmenes recopilan parte de las novedades históricas y arqueológicas que fueron presentadas durante las jornadas. Los libros se estructuran en 15 áreas temáticas, además de los posters presentados y los trabajos correspondientes al Taller Doctoral.
Il Tempo dei Fenici. Incontri in Sardegna dall'VIII al III sec. a.C., 2019
Si ringrazia per l'imprescindibile collaborazione il Polo Museale della Sardegna, nelle persone d... more Si ringrazia per l'imprescindibile collaborazione il Polo Museale della Sardegna, nelle persone della sua direttrice dott.ssa Giovanna Damiani e del dott. Roberto Concas, direttore del Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari. Un sentito ringraziamento per il supporto va inoltre alla Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici per le province di Cagliari e Oristano e alla Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici per le province di Sassari e Nuoro. Un prezioso sostegno al lavoro è giunto dalle sensibili Amministrazioni Comunali di Terralba, Ittireddu e Orroli. Importante è stata la collaborazione della direzione e di tutto il personale di: Museo
Il Tempo dei Fenici, 2019
Si ringrazia per l'imprescindibile collaborazione il Polo Museale della Sardegna, nelle persone d... more Si ringrazia per l'imprescindibile collaborazione il Polo Museale della Sardegna, nelle persone della sua direttrice dott.ssa Giovanna Damiani e del dott. Roberto Concas, direttore del Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari. Un sentito ringraziamento per il supporto va inoltre alla Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici per le province di Cagliari e Oristano e alla Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici per le province di Sassari e Nuoro. Un prezioso sostegno al lavoro è giunto dalle sensibili Amministrazioni Comunali di Terralba, Ittireddu e Orroli. Importante è stata la collaborazione della direzione e di tutto il personale di: Museo
FastiOnLine, 2017
This paper will focus on the Punic settlement of Pani Loriga starting from the review of material... more This paper will focus on the Punic settlement of Pani Loriga starting from the review of material from the old excavations and the analysis of the recent work undertaken by ISMA. The re-examination of the published and unpublished documentation concerning the excavations directed by Ferruccio Barreca allows us to confirm that the site was probably founded at the end of the 7 th century BC. The transfer of a community of people with an Eastern tradition to a hill near the modern town of Santadi must be seen within a precise program of territorial control initiated by the powerful settlement of Sulky. In this defensive system Pani Loriga occupied a strategic position of primary importance, as the settlement was to act as a link between the coastal hinterland and the internal areas of the country, rich in minerals and agro-pastoral products. This function was maintained through the following Punic phase. The importance of the settlement is shown by Carthage's strong interest in it, which has been clearly demonstrated by the recent excavations by ISMA which identified and partially revealed vast living areas, that were originally built between the end of the 6 th and the early 5 th century BC, that is, in the earliest phase of the north African metropolis' presence on Sardinia.
Corpora delle Antichità della Sardegna. La Sardegna Fenicia e Punica, 2017
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Età del Bronzo by Museo Archeologico Santadi
sapid and harmonious flavour. It is produced exclusively from vineyards trained as
alberate and trellised alberate. The area of production, which includes all
administrative territories of many Sulcis communities, features a complex and varied
landscape from the geological and geomorphological standpoints. It has a high degree
of geodiversity and density of sites of great geomorphological and landscape interest
whose salient characteristics are described below. The work presents the results of an
inventory of the natural (geosites, geomorphosites, parks and nature reserves) and
cultural heritage (archaeological sites, industrial archaeology sites, sites of architectural,
historic and traditional interest) classified and georeferenced within their landscape
units, together with a part of the wine-producing areas. From the overall picture of the
heritage emerges a high degree of multiplicity of the natural and cultural heritage that
may play an important role as a possible motor for truly sustainable development from
the standpoint of geo- and cultural tourism more in general.
karst cave of Monte Meana – Santadi has been investigated. The landscape around the cave is characterized by
cultivated felds and grazing. An archaeological survey was conducted in two distinct sectors of the cave where
were identifed two domestic areas dated between early and middle Bronze Age (2017-1751 cal BC and 1914-
1641 cal BC). In these areas charred seeds of cereals, legumes and wild fruits have been found. The variety of
fndings denotes a dynamic use of the land close to the cave. The pollen analyses carried out in this archaeological site show an environment very similar to the present. We have thus tried to identify through a territorial
model developed in GIS environment based on the costs of travel between the site and resources (cost surface
analysis) and visual (viewshed analysis) the pedological soils suitable for agricultural use. The results showed
a close relation of the human group with its territory according to the agricultural exploitation.
Età fenicio-punica by Museo Archeologico Santadi
reflected both in terms of material culture and architectural traditions and building techniques. The
study of architectural features throughout the Punic West Mediterranean can certainly be considered
a new approach that a young generation of scholars holds to identify all those processes of contact and
cultural contamination that characterize the Mediterranean of the first millennium BC. It is well known
that the material culture is not a static phenomenon and that in most cases it evolves and reinvents
itself. This paper will address, particularly, the process of evolution of the mud brick architecture; that,
even though has always been considered as an almost exclusive feature of Near Eastern Architecture,
thanks to several new excavations, is now well attested also in the Western Mediterranean. In Punic
contexts, the use of mud brick architecture can actually be traced back to the first contacts between
the local populations of Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Levantine peoples.
However some differences in the use of this technique can be effectively noted. In Sardinia, the
architecture in raw clay blends with that in stone and produces a new logic of settlement arrangement;
in a similar way, in Andalusia the unbaked clay architecture maintains its peculiarities but seems to
change its dimensional system, to meet a special need. Therefore, through the analysis of the
unpublished documentation of Pani Loriga (Sardinia), Cerro Macareno (Spain) and Kharayeb
(Lebanon), this work will analyze the impact of the Oriental mudbrick technique on the local regional
building traditions and the change produced in the construction methods of the different regions.
sapid and harmonious flavour. It is produced exclusively from vineyards trained as
alberate and trellised alberate. The area of production, which includes all
administrative territories of many Sulcis communities, features a complex and varied
landscape from the geological and geomorphological standpoints. It has a high degree
of geodiversity and density of sites of great geomorphological and landscape interest
whose salient characteristics are described below. The work presents the results of an
inventory of the natural (geosites, geomorphosites, parks and nature reserves) and
cultural heritage (archaeological sites, industrial archaeology sites, sites of architectural,
historic and traditional interest) classified and georeferenced within their landscape
units, together with a part of the wine-producing areas. From the overall picture of the
heritage emerges a high degree of multiplicity of the natural and cultural heritage that
may play an important role as a possible motor for truly sustainable development from
the standpoint of geo- and cultural tourism more in general.
karst cave of Monte Meana – Santadi has been investigated. The landscape around the cave is characterized by
cultivated felds and grazing. An archaeological survey was conducted in two distinct sectors of the cave where
were identifed two domestic areas dated between early and middle Bronze Age (2017-1751 cal BC and 1914-
1641 cal BC). In these areas charred seeds of cereals, legumes and wild fruits have been found. The variety of
fndings denotes a dynamic use of the land close to the cave. The pollen analyses carried out in this archaeological site show an environment very similar to the present. We have thus tried to identify through a territorial
model developed in GIS environment based on the costs of travel between the site and resources (cost surface
analysis) and visual (viewshed analysis) the pedological soils suitable for agricultural use. The results showed
a close relation of the human group with its territory according to the agricultural exploitation.
reflected both in terms of material culture and architectural traditions and building techniques. The
study of architectural features throughout the Punic West Mediterranean can certainly be considered
a new approach that a young generation of scholars holds to identify all those processes of contact and
cultural contamination that characterize the Mediterranean of the first millennium BC. It is well known
that the material culture is not a static phenomenon and that in most cases it evolves and reinvents
itself. This paper will address, particularly, the process of evolution of the mud brick architecture; that,
even though has always been considered as an almost exclusive feature of Near Eastern Architecture,
thanks to several new excavations, is now well attested also in the Western Mediterranean. In Punic
contexts, the use of mud brick architecture can actually be traced back to the first contacts between
the local populations of Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, the Iberian Peninsula and the Levantine peoples.
However some differences in the use of this technique can be effectively noted. In Sardinia, the
architecture in raw clay blends with that in stone and produces a new logic of settlement arrangement;
in a similar way, in Andalusia the unbaked clay architecture maintains its peculiarities but seems to
change its dimensional system, to meet a special need. Therefore, through the analysis of the
unpublished documentation of Pani Loriga (Sardinia), Cerro Macareno (Spain) and Kharayeb
(Lebanon), this work will analyze the impact of the Oriental mudbrick technique on the local regional
building traditions and the change produced in the construction methods of the different regions.