4053) Did You Know Series (109): Archaeologists Uncover 5,000-Year-Old ‘Fairy Houses’ in Sardinia:

4053) Did You Know Series (109):  Archaeologists Uncover 5,000-Year-Old ‘Fairy Houses’ in Sardinia:

Archaeologists have just uncovered 5,000-year-old ‘Fairy Houses’ in Sardinia, revealing astonishing secrets about ancient life. 

The necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu is an archaeological site: located on the south side of the fertile plain of Saint Lucia, in the municipality of Bonorva, Sardinia. 

The complex, one of the most important of the island, is composed of twenty domus de janas; one of them with its eighteen rooms appears to be one of the largest hypogean tombs of the Mediterranean basin. 

The necropolis is located on the front of a trachytic outcrop high 10 m and long 180; entrances to the domus are all within a few meters in height from the ground level and some of them are difficult to access because of the detachment of a substantial part of the rock face. 

The interior of the domus de janas is a faithful reproduction of the houses of that time, with many architectural details (beams, joists, lintels, jambs, pillars and wainscoting perimeter), tending to recreate an environment similar to that where the deceased had spent his existence. 

Chronologically, the complex is dated to the Ozieri culture of the Final Neolithic (3500–2900 BC) with partial use and also structural changes of some tombs which continued until the Middle Ages. 

Chief tomb plan.

Among the domus, three of them, the Tomb of the Chief, the Circular Hut Tomb and the Chamber Tomb, are of particular importance for their spectacularity and their high degree of conservation.

Archaeologists Uncover 5,000 Year Old ‘fairy Houses’ In Sardinia.

In the latest significant development from Sardinia, three new Domus de Janas, or “Fairy Houses,” have been discovered in the Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex in Bonorva. 

These tombs, which date back more than 5,000 years, add to the growing catalog of Sardinia’s unique prehistoric heritage. 

The discovery brings the total number of these subterranean tombs at Sant’Andrea Priu to 20, shedding more light on the ancient burial traditions and spiritual practices of the island’s earliest inhabitants. 

The findings come as part of an ongoing cultural heritage project, as detailed in a press release from the Sardinia Ministry of Culture.

This breakthrough discovery has garnered significant attention as it provides an even deeper understanding of Sardinia’s Neolithic past, particularly through these rock-cut tombs that serve not only as graves but also as symbols of ancient beliefs and rituals. 

The intricate craftsmanship and the distinctive nature of these tombs offer vital clues to the lives of people who lived millennia ago. 

The newly discovered tombs, Tombs XVIII, XIX, and XX, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with artifacts and architectural features that continue to challenge our understanding of prehistoric burial practices.

The "Domus De Janas": An Ancient Connection to Sardinia’s Past:

The Domus de Janas—meaning “House of the Fairies” or “House of the Witches” in Sardinian—are prehistoric chamber tombs carved into volcanic rock that date from approximately 3400 BCE to 2700 BCE. 

These tombs are among the most distinctive burial structures in the Mediterranean, designed to mimic the appearance of the homes of the living, suggesting that the deceased were thought to live on in an afterlife.

The tombs’ layout and decoration often include symbols like spirals, bulls’ horns, and false doors, which are believed to have ritualistic significance.

The term “Domus de Janas” encapsulates the Sardinian belief that these tombs were not simply burial places but rather transitional spaces that marked the journey of the soul. 

It is thought that the dead were accompanied by ritual offerings to help them transition from the world of the living to the afterlife. 

The consistent appearance of spirals and other motifs on the tombs may represent spiritual or magical practices tied to the burial customs of the time, offering further insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of the island’s ancient inhabitants.

Three new Domus de Janas were discovered:

A Unique Discovery: Three New Tombs Revealed:

In this latest discovery, archaeologists working at the Sant’Andrea Priu complex have unearthed three Domus de Janas near the “Tomb of the Hearth”, a key structure within the site. 

These tombs, named Tomb XVIII, XIX, and XX, are positioned in a fan-shaped formation, with each tomb offering a unique insight into the prehistoric burial practices of the Sardinians.

Tomb XVIII is particularly notable for its dromos (a long corridor) leading to a central chamber where a carved hearth can still be seen, a reminder of the symbolic importance of fire and warmth in the rituals surrounding death. 

The tomb contained several interesting artifacts, including obsidian fragments, greenstone axes, and a spindle, which point to both practical and ritual aspects of the tomb’s use. 

The chamber also contained a rectangular central space, with a smaller side chamber, further adding to the complexity and design of the tomb.

Bonorva, S.Andrea Priu, Tomb XVIII. 

Tomb XIX is much smaller but no less significant. This tomb features a pavilion-like entrance that opens into a rectangular chamber, from which a round-shaped niche extends. 

Among the finds here were ceramic fragments and a particularly striking miniature jar, suggesting the significance of small, personal items as offerings for the deceased.

Bonorva, S.Andrea Priu, Tomb XIX. 

Perhaps the most elaborate of the three is Tomb XX, which features an entry chamber that branches off into side corridors leading to a total of seven smaller chambers. 

This tomb is noteworthy for the discovery of a painted decorative band in one of the rooms, showcasing the artistic and symbolic use of color in ancient Sardinian tombs. 

Additionally, over 30 Roman-era ceramic vessels were found in this tomb, earning it the nickname “Tomb of the Roman Vases”. 

These Roman-era artifacts, which include brocche, piatti, and lucerne, suggest that this tomb was used for centuries after its original construction.

Image

 Credit: Patrizia Luciana Tomassetti and Nadia Canu

The Role of Domus De Janas in Sardinia’s Spirituality:

The architectural features and artifacts found within the Domus de Janas reveal that these structures were not simply burial sites but were likely designed to serve as ritual spaces. The recurring motifs found in the carvings and decorations, such as spirals, bull’s horns, and false doors, point to a deeply spiritual and ritualistic society that believed in a connection between the living and the dead. The hearths, spindles, and tools discovered in these tombs suggest that the living would provide material goods to the deceased to assist them in their spiritual journey.

The position of many of these tombs near significant natural formations, like the “Campanile” or “Toro” rock formations, further suggests that the Sardinians believed in a strong connection between the natural world and the spiritual realm. These tombs likely acted as portals or gateways between the worlds, where the boundary between the living and the spiritual was blurred.

Sardinia’s Rich Archaeological Heritage: More Than Just Tombs

The Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex is one of the most important prehistoric sites on the island of Sardinia. In addition to its Domus de Janas, the site also contains remnants from Roman and early medieval periods, showcasing a rich tapestry of historical and cultural development. The continued excavation of the site has revealed evidence of Roman settlements, including paved streets, drains, and a thermal structure, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of people who lived in the area long after the tombs were first constructed.

The inclusion of Sant’Andrea Priu in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites underscores its cultural and historical significance. 

From the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The site represents a palimpsest of history, where layers of human activity—from Neolithic tombs to Roman and medieval structures—are intertwined, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Mediterranean civilisations.

What is a "Fairy House":

A "Fairy House" is a small structure, often built outdoors, that is meant to resemble a dwelling for fairies or other woodland creatures. 

These miniature homes can be simple, made from natural, foraged materials, or more elaborate, sometimes incorporating elements like lights or miniature furniture. 

"Fairy Houses" are often associated with encouraging creativity, imagination, and a connection with nature.