archaeology      

The Late Neolithic (III millenium B.C.) is represented by the menhirs of Cort ‘e’Semmuccu ,Genna Prunas and Perdas Fittas. The Nuraghic is represented by approximateiy thirty five, nuraghi,amongst which Crabili (quadrilobe with a hexagona antemural) and Urradili (trilobe). The most important archaeological area is however to be found near the scattered houses of "Santa Maria di Neapolis ;", approximately 20 kms to the North of Guspini where the city of Neapolis, mentioned in classical texts, was to be found at one time. Human settlement in the area of "Santa Maria di Neapolis" goes back to the III millenium B.C. as is proved by pottery, flint implements and a marble statuette of the goddess mother dated in the late Neolithic. This area was later occupied by a nuraghic settlement.It is believed that the city of Neapolis was founded by the Phoenicians towards the first haif of the 6th century B.C. This Phoenician-Carthaginian city, built ‘over a native settlement, is almost unknown as far as its urban layout is concerned, although we may hazard a guess that the semicircular walls of Neapolis, revealed by aerial photography, were the original ones since they are comparable to similar Carthaginian examples. We have more information regarding the items attributed to the PhoenicianCarthaginian centre which are held at the present time in the museums of Cagliari and Oristano. They include Phoenician-Carthaginian pottery and also imported pottery (Etruscan ware, Ionic and Attic pottery), scarabs in green jasper, coins and terracotta figures. The latter come from a great sanctuary dedicated to a health-giving divinity and consist in the main of anatomical votive offerings (legs, arms, ears, etc.) and statuettes representing the supplicant who indicates with his hands the area affected by the sickness, a cure for which he is requesting.