La Civiltà dei Nuraghi | Ep 1 | Mauro Biglino Gian Matteo Corrias

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Introduction to the Grand Tour in Sardinia

In this episode, Mauro Biglino and Gian Matteo Corrias embark on a “Mini Grand Tour” in Sardinia. The discussion focuses on the Nuragic civilization, its historical significance, and its connections to other cultures. Topics include the emergence of Nuragic writing and its Semitic linguistic elements, along with the surprising presence of the name Yahweh in Sardinian artifacts.

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Overview of the Nuragic Civilization

The Nuragic civilization developed in Sardinia between the 17th century BCE and approximately the 1st millennium BCE. This culture is marked by monumental constructions such as nuraghi (megalithic towers), tombs of giants, sacred wells, and megaron temples. The civilization evolved from the Neolithic cultures, evidenced by structures like menhirs, dolmens, and domus de janas.

Timeline of Development

• Neolithic Period (4th millennium BCE): Development of hypogeal burials associated with the Ozieri culture.
• Chalcolithic Period (3500–2300 BCE): Introduction of metalworking.
• Bronze Age (Middle of the 3rd millennium BCE): Mastery of bronze metallurgy.
• Nuragic Period (17th century BCE): Emergence of nuraghi and a hierarchical societal structure.

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Social Structure and Economy

The Nuragic society was aristocratic and hierarchical, organized into cantons ruled by sovereigns with claims to heroic ancestry. Key economic activities included agriculture, animal husbandry, ceramics, and metallurgy. Sardinians were among the first in the western Mediterranean to practice viticulture, a fact linked to cultural and religious symbolism.

Trade and Maritime Influence

Trade was integral to the Nuragic economy. Nuragic ceramics and artifacts have been found in locations such as Greece, Crete, Cyprus, Egypt, and Spain. The Sardinians used large ships to navigate the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, trading tin and other resources essential for bronze production.

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Architectural Legacy: The Nuraghi

Over 7,000 nuraghi have been documented across Sardinia. These structures served both symbolic and practical purposes, including territorial control and defense. Nuraghi types evolved over time:

• Protonuraghi (17th–15th century BCE): Early elliptical or circular structures with truncated roofs.
• Classic Nuraghi (Post-15th century BCE): Turriform constructions with tholos (false dome) roofs, often part of complex architectural systems.

Typological Hierarchy

Nuraghi varied from single-tower structures to multi-tower complexes with external walls, reflecting the sociopolitical hierarchy of their inhabitants.

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Transformation into Sacred Spaces

By the 10th century BCE, many nuraghi ceased to be constructed and were repurposed as sacred sites. One example is the Su Mulinu nuraghe of Villanovafranca, which features an altar shaped like a nuraghe. This altar dates back to the Iron Age and symbolizes the conceptual shift towards using nuraghi as objects of worship and identity.

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Ritual Practices and Symbolism

Artifacts from sites like Su Mulinu provide insights into Nuragic rituals. Examples include:

• Votive lamps and vessels: Indicating the use of light in worship.
• Animal remains: Suggesting foundation rites.
• Symbolism: Representations of the lunar crescent and bull horns, possibly linked to broader Middle Eastern cultural connections.

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Cultural and Religious Parallels

The discussion highlights possible connections between the Nuragic civilization and the Middle East, particularly through shared symbolic and linguistic elements. Parallels are drawn between Nuragic practices and biblical narratives, such as the story of Noah and the cultivation of vineyards.

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Archaeological Insights

The archaeological record shows that Nuragic society underwent significant transformations:

• Urbanization (Final Bronze Age): Transition from circular huts to larger rectangular structures and council huts.
• Sociopolitical Revolution: Shift from palace-based power to urban centers.
• Abandonment of Nuraghi Construction: Coinciding with the rise of new social and political structures around 1000 BCE.