El complejo megalítico de Monte Baranta en Cerdeña

The imposing megalithic complex located on the Monte Baranta plateau, near the town of Olmedo in North-west Sardinia is one of the best preserved monuments of the pre-nuragic period, and pertains to the cultural horizon called Monte Claro (2500-2200 BC circa). The complex is particularly interesting in the context of late-Neolithic architecture since it was abandoned already during the Monte Claro phase, and only sporadic frequentation is documented afterwards. The site is usually interpreted as a fortified stronghold but this interpretation has many drawbacks. As a consequence, we have subjected the site to a new survey with the specific aim of gaining a better understanding of its function. Our survey, based on classical topographic observations combined with GPS measurements has led to a new reading of the megalithic complex: topographical and archaeo-astronomical data indeed clearly point to a radically new interpretation of this site as a sacred place, probably a pilgrimage centre

Archaeology · Art · Context (archaeology · Geography · Hoard · Horizon · Humanities · Megalith · Physics · Plateau (mathematics · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological and Historical Studies · Historical and Architectural Studies