Italy

Nuraghe Is Paras

Trilobate nuraghe (Bronze Age) in South Sardinia

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Historical Context

About

The nuraghe Is Paras is an archeological site of Isili, a town in the historical region of Sarcidano, province of South Sardinia. The nuraghe is located in a strategic position dominating the underlying territories open to the West. Its shape is that of a trilobate nuraghe, formed by a triangular bastion with three towers at the corners. According to the archaeologist Giovanni Lilliu its tholos is the largest and most harmonious of all those present in Sardinia. The diameter of the base of the tower is of about 12,50 meters, its tholos chamber reached a height of 11,80 meters, making it the tallest dome in the world when it was built in the 15-14th century bc, it was surpassed by the underground tholos of the tomb of Atreus one or two centuries later. Inside the main tower there's a circular well. Originally there was an additional chamber on top of the first one, which would be reached through the still partially extant spiral staircase. Three smaller towers were added around the main one during the 13th century bc and connected by a wall. The complex was in turn surrounded by an external wall with towers.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Main tower construction

15th–14th century BC

Addition of outer towers and walls

13th century BC

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Defensive Structures

BastionsTowersDefensive Walls
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Miscellaneous Features

Spiral StaircaseTholos chamber
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Water Management Features

Wells
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Italy

Coordinates

39.75° N, 9.11° E