Archaeologists Unearth 5,000-Year-Old ‘Fairy Houses’ in Sardinia
Italian officials have announced the discovery of three ancient ‘fairy houses’ on the island of Sardinia, dating back over 5,000 years to the late Neolithic and Copper Age. These structures, known as domus de janas in Sardinian, are part of a larger archaeological complex recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings include Roman-era artifacts and significant cultural relics.
The discovery was made by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro, who announced the finding on July 29. Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean just south of France’s Corsica, is renowned for its beaches and ancient ruins. The island continues to yield important historical insights, with archaeologists recently uncovering a luxurious 1,700-year-old Roman bathhouse and a mysterious tomb containing the remains of a woman and child.
Before the most recent excavation, archaeologists had already identified 17 such tombs. The latest find brings the total to 20, with the newly discovered structures arranged like a fan beginning from the Tomb of the Hearth. The unique geographic features of the region helped archaeologists identify the new tombs, according to the Superintendency. The artifacts recovered include a range of items such as pickaxes, a spindle whorl, a small greenstone axe, obsidian fragments, and pottery shards. The most complex of the newly found tombs, dubbed the Tomb of the Roman Vases, contained a painted wall band and over 30 Roman-era ceramic pieces, including plates, oil lamps, and jugs, all in excellent condition.
Officials emphasized the cultural significance of the domus de janas, noting that these tombs often replicate the details of the houses of the living and feature symbolic decorations linked to magical-religious rituals. The Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex, where these tombs are located, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its importance to global heritage. In addition to these discoveries, recent findings include an Etruscan tomb untouched by looters and an ancient Roman apartment building discovered beneath a public square in Rome, showcasing Italy’s rich historical landscape. These archaeological developments continue to provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations and their practices.