A woman buried in Italy in the Copper Age era
The Late Chalcolithic period in Sardinia, part of the broader Mediterranean civilization, represents a fascinating era characterized by significant cultural, social, and technological developments. This era, which typically ranges from around 3000 to 2300 BCE, stands as a bridge between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, marking a pivotal time of transformation.
Geographical and Cultural Context
Sardinia during the Late Chalcolithic was a vibrant and diverse landscape, featuring an array of natural resources that influenced the cultural practices of its inhabitants. The island's rich deposits of copper and silver spurred advancements in metallurgy, while its strategic position in the Mediterranean facilitated trade and cultural exchange with other burgeoning civilizations, such as those in mainland Italy and the broader Aegean region.
Social Structure and Settlement
The social structure during this time in Sardinia saw increasing complexity. There was likely a shift from relatively egalitarian societies to more stratified communities, as evidenced by the emergence of hierarchical systems suggested by differing burial practices and the presence of prestige goods. Settlements evolved from small, dispersed hamlets to more organized communities, which might have included defensive structures, although the archaeological evidence for fortifications is scant from this period.
Architecture and Monumentality
One of the most distinctive features of this period is the development of monumental stone structures known as \domus de janas," or "houses of fairies." These rock-cut tombs indicate a complex belief system concerning the afterlife, as well as sophisticated architectural capabilities. The design and decoration of these tombs suggest an elaborate ritualistic significance, reflecting the importance of ancestor worship and communal identity.
Economy and Subsistence
The economy of Late Chalcolithic Sardinia was primarily agrarian, with communities engaged in farming, herding, and fishing. However, the era also saw significant advancements in metallurgy, with the processing of local copper and trade in metal goods becoming more prevalent. The increase in metallurgical activities is associated with improved tools and weapons, facilitating better agricultural productivity and defense mechanisms.
Art and Material Culture
Material culture during this period was rich and diverse, with pottery playing a significant role. The ceramics of this era are characterized by their intricate designs and forms, often featuring geometric motifs and sometimes zoomorphic or anthropomorphic elements. These artifacts highlight a blend of functionality and artistic expression, pointing to a society that valued both utility and aesthetic.
The use of metal also extended into decorative and ceremonial objects, again signifying the increasing sophistication and social complexity of these communities. Jewelry, tools, and weapons made of copper and other available materials suggest both local crafts and the influence of interactions with neighboring cultures.
Religion and Beliefs
Religious beliefs during the Late Chalcolithic period in Sardinia were complex and intertwined with daily life and societal structure. The prevalence of burial monuments indicates a significant emphasis on death and the afterlife, while various artifacts suggest ritualistic practices possibly related to fertility, nature worship, and community cohesion. The presence of figurines and the symbolic motifs found in pottery and tombs suggest a pantheon of deities or spiritual entities that were worshipped or revered.
Interregional Interactions
Sardinia's strategic position in the Mediterranean basin facilitated interactions with other notable cultures of the time. These interactions occurred through trade and exchange networks that allowed for the flow of goods, ideas, and technologies. Artifacts from distant regions found in Sardinian contexts, such as Aegean pottery or Eastern Mediterranean amber, illustrate the island's role in broader regional dynamics.
In conclusion, the Late Chalcolithic period in Sardinia was a dynamic and transformative era marked by significant advancements in societal complexity, technological progress, and cultural expression. The developments during this time laid crucial foundations for the subsequent Nuragic civilization, which would come to define Sardinia's Bronze Age. As such, the study of this period provides valuable insights into the evolutionary trajectory of prehistoric Mediterranean societies."
Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (SEC006) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.
Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (SEC006) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.
These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.
The G25 coordinates for the sample SEC006 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.
SEC006,0.11979954,0.1615818,0.0235598,-0.04446016,0.05810242,-0.02214664,-0.00229612,0.00555614,0.03964812,0.07194246,-0.0038042,0.0149276,-0.02662366,-0.01483148,-0.01156266,0.00491776,0.01417944,-9.758E-05,-0.00046822,-0.00412782,-0.00052508,0.0043332,-0.01233648,-0.01966448,0.00437587
Genetic history from the Middle Neolithic to present on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia
The island of Sardinia has been of particular interest to geneticists for decades. The current model for Sardinia's genetic history describes the island as harboring a founder population that was established largely from the Neolithic peoples of southern Europe and remained isolated from later Bronze Age expansions on the mainland. To evaluate this model, we generate genome-wide ancient DNA data for 70 individuals from 21 Sardinian archaeological sites spanning the Middle Neolithic through the Medieval period. The earliest individuals show a strong affinity to western Mediterranean Neolithic populations, followed by an extended period of genetic continuity on the island through the Nuragic period (second millennium BCE). Beginning with individuals from Phoenician/Punic sites (first millennium BCE), we observe spatially-varying signals of admixture with sources principally from the eastern and northern Mediterranean. Overall, our analysis sheds light on the genetic history of Sardinia, revealing how relationships to mainland populations shifted over time.