South Sardinia

The history of Sardinia features a rich tapestry shaped by some of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean. The prehistoric era is defined by the unique Nuragic civilization, whose most magnificent legacy is Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to around 1800 BC. During this period, thousands of megalithic stone towers were constructed across the territory for defense and social gathering.

In antiquity, the strategic position of the island attracted Phoenician and Carthaginian maritime traders. Prominent coastal settlements like the Tharros Ancient Site and the southern Nora Archaeological Site became thriving centers of commerce. Following the Punic Wars in 238 BC, the region came under Roman rule, which deeply integrated the territory into the imperial economy and culture.

During the Roman era, the fertile Campidano Plain served as a vital granary, while the rugged terrain around Mount Gennargentu and the Flumendosa River remained strongholds for local tribal resistance. Exquisite bronze statuettes and historical artifacts from these eras are preserved inside the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari. To explore these historical sites visually, please refer to the Harita section.