A Study on the Stability and Construction Techniques of Nuragic Towers
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Nuragic civilisation, which developed on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (Italy) between the middle-late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age (1800–700 B.C.), is characterised by the widespread production of architectural structures of varying complexity, among which the truncated cone-shaped towers built from rock blocks have dominated in the most advanced phases. Numerous studies have investigated the Nuragic towers’ function and their territorial distribution with reference to the social organization of Sardinian inhabitants. By contrast, relatively few works have focused on construction techniques and the stability of these structures. This manuscript examines the statics of the elementary architectural nucleus that forms the Nuragic complexes and explores its relationship with the construction methods. The structural elements are identified, and a static analysis is performed to clarify the mechanisms that govern the tower’s equilibrium. Finally, a hypothesis regarding the construction method is proposed, grounded in the recognized static principles. In light of the recent nomination of 32 Nuragic sites for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, the research findings may provide valuable guidance for future conservation and consolidation works.
Authors: Augusto Bortolussi, Valentina Dentoni, Cristina Levanti, Stefano Cara, Francesco Pinna, Battista Grosso
Institutions: National Research Council, University of Cagliari
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4416894613