Sardinia is an island full of mystery and myths. The
first known civilization is that of the Nuraghic culture. Although the
origin of these people is unclear, the civilization developed between
the late Bronze Age and the Iron Age (1500-500 B.C).
7000
out of an estimated 30,000 tower-like structures called Nuraghi are
still found throughout the island today. The Nuraghe, with its peculiar
architectural structure, is the most representative sign of that past.
Their significance and the fact that many are still intact after 3,000
years is the subject of much debate and still remains a mystery.
Besides
the Nuraghi, the ancient Sardinians built holy wells and temples, and
structures for burial and religious purposes. These are called Domus de
Janas and Tomba del Gigante.
Sardinia’s
history also consists of many invasions and conquests. As time passed,
the Sardinian people became united in language and customs, yet
remained divided politically into various smaller tribal states.
Sometimes they banded together while other times they were at war with
one another.
The
island has also been home to many other civilizations, and remains of
each one are present throughout the island. Among these were the
Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Pisans, Genoese and Spanish.
Sardinia
first became Italianized in 1718 when it was handed over to the Dukes
of Savoy. For the next 230 years various relationships developed
between Sardinia and the mainland Italy — some progressive and others
not. In 1861, the kingdom of Sardinia was transformed into the Italian
state. By popular referendum in 1946, Italy became a Republic,
administering Sardinia a special Statute, and today it is one of the
twenty Italian regions. Sardinia is presently inhabited by 1,700,000
people spread out over the four territories of Cagliari, Sassari,
Oristano and Nuoro.