Ancient stone towers built during the Bronze Age in Sardinia continued to serve as active centers for ritual and social activity well into the Iron Age, a new study has found.
Researchers say evidence from a site in central-southern Sardinia shows that these massive structures, known as “nuraghe,” were not abandoned when new religious practices emerged on the island. The findings point to a broad exchange network connecting communities across Sardinia more than 3,000 years ago.
The study, led by Dr. Silvia Amicone, an archaeometrist at the University of Tübingen, was conducted in partnership with the local heritage authority. It was published in the journal Open Archaeology.
Sardinia is home to around 7,000 nuraghe, built between 1700 and 1100 BC. Their original purpose remains debated, with theories ranging from fortifications to residences to ritual spaces. Between 1200 and 800 BC, Sardinian society began to shift.
New sacred sites and holy wells appeared across the island. Researchers wanted to know whether the older Bronze Age towers in Sardinia lost their significance during this transition.
Sardinia’s Bronze Age towers stayed active into Iron Age
Excavations at Nuraghe Barru uncovered a carefully sealed cistern well inside the tower structure. At the bottom, the team found broken ceramic vessels, including jugs, a miniature amphora, and a rare four-handled ceremonial vessel. Animal and human remains were also placed inside before the well was sealed with limestone slabs.
Near the well, researchers found offerings arranged along a staircase. These included a bronze sword measuring 94 centimeters (37 inches), three blade-like bronze objects, and a lump of copper. The staircase was later blocked, cutting off access to the upper floor.
Dr. Chiara Pilo, who led the excavations, said the finds point to a deliberate episode of ritual activity rather than randomly discarded objects. The changes also physically altered the structure itself.
Pottery origins reveal an island-wide exchange network
To trace the origins of the objects, the team used thin-section petrography to study minerals in the pottery.
Most ceramics were not made locally. Some came from regions more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) away, suggesting Nuraghe Barru was part of a wider exchange network across the island.
X-ray fluorescence analysis of the metal objects showed the bronze sword and blade-like items were made with high copper and low tin content. This composition is typical of votive swords in Nuraghic culture, objects created for symbolic or ritual use rather than combat.
The blade-like items resembled pieces found on the Italian mainland, but material analysis pointed to local production.
Ancient site served as a center of ritual and power
Dr. Gianfranca Salis, scientific director of the heritage authority overseeing the excavations, said Nuraghe Barru was an active center during the Iron Age where rituals, identity, and social power were negotiated during a period of change.
As new religious sites appeared across Sardinia, not all ancient structures were left behind. Some towers were repurposed for ceremony instead.
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