Domus de Janas Catacombs

Domus de Janas Catacombs

Tangible artifacts that exhibit specific characteristics can be considered as cultural manifestations The pre-Nuragic rock-cut tombs at Domus de Janas Borucca were found in Sardinia This represents the period in which the Nuragic civilization flourished on the island Since writing had not yet been invented human life at this time is only archaeologically documented The oldest remains of Homo sapiens in Sardinia date back to the Upper Stone Age Their footprints were discovered in central Sardinia in the "Corbeddu Cave" 

Middle Stone Age remains were discovered in the Sukoloru Cave of Laurru in northern Sardinia Material culture suggests that these people arrived in Sardinia from the Italian Peninsula after a difficult seafaring journey by ship This culture was present in northwestern Sardinia and is characterized by the production of exquisite pottery A vase found in the cave has a handle painted with human-like designs including small noses eyes and mouths Furthermore bizarre graffiti was found on the cave walls further evidence of this group

Domus de Janas Borucca a subterranean necropolis excavated in the granite rocks of Sardinia dates back to the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages primarily built between 3400 and 2700 BC. Archaeologist Giovanni Lillieu argues that the bodies were buried under shells Other theories suggest that the bodies were left outside the graves and reburied only after they had become skeletons The bodies were painted bright red similar to the walls of the graves and were buried with ancient artifacts and ornaments 

The discovery of a Paleolithic stonework site suggests that humans lived in Sardinia between 450,000 and 10,000 years ago A unique feature located within the village on the main road and part of the historic center of Domus de Janas Borucca is the subterranean necropolis Located in the Angelu Ruju area near Alghero these necropolises consist of 38 graves with carved or painted false doors visible within the graves 

This is a pre-Nuragic rock-cut tomb found in Sardinia It consists of several chambers excavated by the San Syriaco people through the Osieri culture The shape of the interior chambers can vary from circular huts with conical or triangular ceilings and sometimes with painted or carved U-shaped horns inscribed on the inside each in varying numbers The oldest examples predate the appearance of false doors in ancient Egyptian tombs These false doors often appear on the rear wall of the main chamber The walls are often decorated with bas-reliefs or woodcuts depicting magical and religious symbols such as spirals and zigzag patterns