Groundbreaking scientific analysis of ancient Sardinian bronze figurines has revealed the Bronze Age Mediterranean was far more interconnected than previously imagined. An international research team’s multi-proxy approach to studying the famous bronzetti of the Nuragic culture has unlocked secrets about metal sourcing, trade routes, and cultural connections spanning from Sardinia to Scandinavia. The revolutionary findings, published in PLoS ONE, demonstrate that sophisticated trade networks flourished across Bronze Age Europe, challenging traditional assumptions about ancient isolation and technological limitations.
The Nuragic culture flourished on Sardinia from approximately 1800 to 238 BC, leaving behind thousands of distinctive stone towers called nuraghes and hundreds of intricate bronze figurines known as bronzetti. These small sculptures, typically measuring around 10 centimeters (4 inches) in height, depict warriors adorned with horned helmets, priests, animals, and divine figures, offering invaluable insights into Bronze Age Mediterranean society, religion, and artistic traditions.
