The Nuragic civilization refers to the culture of the Sardinian people that developed on the island of Sardinia from around the 18th century BC until the 2nd century BC. This civilization is known for its distinctive nuraghi, which are megalithic tower-fortresses, and its bronze metallurgy.
History and Development
The Nuragic culture emerged during the Bronze Age, following the earlier Ozieri culture. The term "Nuragic" derives from the nuraghe, which are the most characteristic architectural structures of this civilization. Here's a brief overview of its historical phases:
- Bonnanaro Phase (1800-1600 BC): Transition from the Bell Beaker culture, with the first nuraghi appearing.
- Protonuragic (1600-1300 BC): Construction of simple nuraghi.
- Middle Nuragic (1300-1100 BC): Development of more complex nuraghi, including the building of villages around them.
- Recent Nuragic (1100-900 BC): Increased complexity in nuraghe design with the addition of secondary towers and bastions.
- Final Nuragic (900-730 BC): This phase sees the decline of the Nuragic culture due to external influences and internal changes.
- Post-Nuragic (730-238 BC): The period after the decline, marked by the integration of Nuragic elements with Phoenician, Punic, and later Roman cultures.
Nuraghi
The nuraghe are the most iconic symbols of the Nuragic civilization. These structures vary in size and complexity:
- Simple Nuraghe: A single tower, typically conical in shape with a corbelled stone vault.
- Complex Nuraghe: A central tower surrounded by additional towers or bastions, forming a fortified complex.
The purpose of these nuraghi might have been multi-functional, serving as dwellings, fortresses, and perhaps even religious or ceremonial sites.
Bronze Metallurgy
The Nuragic were skilled in bronze metallurgy, producing bronze artifacts like weapons, tools, and intricate votive figurines known as bronzetti. These artifacts were not only utilitarian but also served in religious practices.
Cultural Practices
Evidence suggests that the Nuragic had:
- Complex religious practices, with numerous sanctuaries and the worship of deities.
- A society possibly organized into clans or tribes, with the nuraghi as centers of power and defense.
- Advanced agricultural practices, with evidence of irrigation systems.
Decline and Legacy
The decline of the Nuragic civilization can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased contact with Mediterranean cultures like the Phoenicians, which brought new technologies and cultural changes.
- Environmental changes and possible overpopulation leading to resource strain.
Despite its decline, the Nuragic left a lasting legacy on Sardinia, influencing the island's culture, architecture, and traditions, many of which can still be observed today.
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