Luca Lai, "Beyond the stone giants: an isotopic perspective on life and death of the people buried at Mont’e Prama (Sardinia)"

The accidental 1974 discovery of tens of fragmentary statues at Mont’e Prama, in central-western Sardinia, led to one of the most unexpected discoveries in recent Mediterranean archaeology: A unique necropolis with thousands of fragments of stone warriors and athletes representing one of the earliest examples of life-sized 3D figures west of the Aegean.

After a brief summary of the monumental aspects and the main interpretations of the site’s meaning, the talk will explore the less-publicized insights into the chronology, burial ritual, health, diet, and mobility as they begin to take shape from mortuary archaeology, osteology, and especially the isotopic analyses of their bones. This will also provide an opportunity to discuss the site’s role in today’s public debates surrounding the archaeology of the Nuragic culture and its special place in shaping modern Sardinian identity. 

 Click here for more information about Dr. Luca Lai.