A woman buried in Italy in the Middle Bronze Age era

The Middle Bronze Age in Sardinia, Italy, marks the flourishing period of the Nuragic Civilization, which commenced around 1700 BCE and continued to thrive until the end of the Bronze Age and into the early Iron Age. This era is distinguished by the construction of numerous megalithic edifices, notably the nuraghe, which are the most iconic and defining features of this civilization.

Nuragic Architecture

The central element of Nuragic architecture is the nuraghe, megalithic tower-like structures built using large stones and embodying complex construction techniques. These edifices served various roles, from militaristic fortifications to residential and possibly sacred spaces. The towers, often circular, rise as truncated cones and can reach heights of more than 20 meters (65 feet). Internally, they may comprise multiple levels, connected by spiral staircases, and possess domed roofs achieved through the corbel technique.

Nuraghe were primarily built in coastal and inland areas, indicating their strategic importance. Besides nuraghe, the Nuragic people constructed other significant structures such as the 'giant's tombs' (tombe dei giganti), large collective burial sites characterized by their elongated shapes and monumental exteriors adorned with slab stones. Sacred wells and sanctuaries, often constructed with precise masonry and sometimes associated with water cult practices, highlight the religious aspects of Nuragic culture.

Society and Economy

The Nuragic Civilization was likely organized into tribal communities, with a societal structure hinting at complex chiefdoms. The proliferation of nuraghe suggests a degree of social organization and labor specialization. Their society was primarily agropastoral, reliant on farming and animal husbandry, including sheep, goats, and cattle. The landscape of Sardinia, with its fertile plains and rugged highlands, facilitated such economic activities.

Trade played a crucial role in Nuragic society, with the exchange of goods such as obsidian, bronze, pottery, and textiles documented. Sardinia's strategic location in the Mediterranean allowed the Nuragic people to engage with other contemporary civilizations, including the Mycenaeans, Phoenicians, and later the Carthaginians. Evidence of contact is seen in the introduction of new technologies, pottery styles, and metallurgy, which enriched their culture.

Metallurgy

The Middle Bronze Age witnessed significant advancements in metallurgy. The Nuragic people excelled in metalworking, producing weapons, tools, ornaments, and figurines from bronze. The island’s rich mineral resources facilitated the development of metallurgical techniques. Metal objects, often found in hoards or as grave goods, underscore the craftsmanship and technological acumen of the Nuragic metallurgists.

Art and Religion

Nuragic art is predominantly seen in their ceramics, bronze figures, and carvings. The pottery, often functional, shows stylized and geometric designs, reflecting aesthetic and cultural sensibilities. Bronze statuettes, depicting figures such as warriors, animals, and deities, suggest religious and societal representations. These figurines, sometimes found in votive deposits, indicate the practice of ritual offerings and underline spiritual beliefs.

Religion in Nuragic society seemingly revolved around nature worship, celestial bodies, and possibly ancestor veneration. Sacred wells and nuraghe themselves may have held religious significance, serving as places for community gatherings and rituals.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the Nuragic Civilization began around the end of the Bronze Age, influenced by external pressures and internal transformations. The arrival of new cultures, such as the Phoenicians and later the Punics, led to cultural assimilations and changes. However, the legacy of the Nuragic civilization is enduring, with its architectural marvels, metallurgical achievements, and cultural artifacts contributing significantly to Sardinia's historical heritage and identity.

In conclusion, the Middle Bronze Age in Sardinia under the Nuragic Civilization was a period marked by architectural prowess, social organization, and cultural arts. Its enduring legacy is manifest in Sardinia's historical landscape, offering valuable insights into prehistoric societies in the Mediterranean region.