Monte Sirai 2005-2010. Bilanci e prospettive

The site of Mount Sirai, investigated since the early ’60s, currently is a field-research for the study of the Phoenician and Punic presence in the south-western Sardinia between the 8th and 2nd centuries. B.C. In the case of Monte Sirai, the internal position is probably linked to the existence of privileged relations between the Nuragic elements present in the area and the inhabitants of oriental origin. This paper presents new data from the necropolis and from the recent excavations in the socalled Acropoli. The tombs offer several contexts of infant burials and of a pregnant woman. During the last seasons of excavations (2005-2010) has been detected a large number of ritual activities and funerary practices; the presence of a cemetery used between the 6th and the 5th centuries B.C., of which was found the ustrinum area, is related to discovery of bodies semi-burnt. The most recent research in the Acropoli has confirmed the horizon of most ancient presence in the second half of 8th century B.C. and the final abandonment at the end of the 2nd century B.C. The various traces of metallurgical activities confirm, finally, the strategic exploitation of mines in the Sulcis region.