History of Sardinia - Prehistory

Prehistory

The most ancient human trace in Sardinia could be referred to the discovery of the fossil of an Oreopithecus bambolii, a prehistoric anthropomorphic primate, dated 8.5 million years ago. In 1979 human remains were found that were dated to 150,000 BC. In 2004, in a cave in Logudoro a human finger bone was found that was dated up to 250,000 BC..

Prehistoric arrowheads (3rd millennium BC) and figurines demonstrate a well-developed industry of stone carving.

Already in the Stone Age, Monte Arci played an important role. The old volcano was one of the central places where obsidian was found and worked for cutting tools and arrowheads. Even now the volcanic glass can be found on the sides of the mountain. The Archeological Museum of Sassari displays ceramics from the Copper or Aneolithic Age (2600 BC). Pre-historic and Pre-nuragic constructions that characterise the Sardinian landscapes are the Domus de Janas (Sardinian: House of the Fairies, House of the Witches), the Giants' graves, the baetylus menhir, dolmens and holy wells.