Sestu, a Punic necropolis emerges from the excavations for the gas network

At least six well-preserved amphorae containing human bones, probably children. But also many other finds, ancient ceramics and a pit yet to be dug that could contain other wonders of a thousand-year-old past.

The discovery

A Punic necropolis dating back to the 4th or 3rd century BC came to light during work to lay the gas network on the former provincial road 8 that connects Sestu to the commercial area, one of the busiest roads in the Cagliari hinterland. An important discovery, capable of rewriting a page in the history of this corner of Sardinia now invaded by mega stores and warehouses. The first amphora came to light at the beginning of February. The workers commissioned by Italgas immediately turned off the bulldozers, alerting the archaeologist who supervises the construction site. From there, the intervention of the experts of the Superintendency, led by the official Enrico Trudu, an archaeologist specializing in the Phoenician-Punic era.

The expert

"We are still in the excavation phase - explains the expert -, but I can confirm that in several places contexts have emerged that can clearly be ascribed to a Punic necropolis. In particular, we have already found six amphorae with human bones, of children but perhaps also of adults, we assume dating back to the third or fourth century BC. Furthermore, more ceramic materials have emerged in the section that we are bringing to light and examining". However, there is little doubt about the origin of the finds: they are enchytrismos tombs, that is, burials in amphorae placed inside a pit dug into the rock bank and in which the deceased were usually newborns or slightly older children.

The coffin-amphorae

"In the enchytrismos burials, the amphora was used as a case, a sort of coffin that could contain both children's and adults' bodies," Trudu confirms. "In some of those we recovered there were human bones, bones that were also found in various places around. There is no doubt that the context is funerary. There is also a pit that we are going to investigate, as we are working along the entire trench starting from the most exposed points that we will then expand." The site could therefore still reserve many surprises, even if this discovery is not entirely unexpected. "The area is not far from that of Moriscau," Trudu explains, "where there is an archaeological settlement already subject to restrictions, so it was likely to expect something interesting here too." However, it seems it will not be possible to proceed with a massive excavation campaign. «The trench is inside a roadway and all around there are industrial and commercial warehouses – concludes the expert – it will be impossible to investigate the entire necropolis but it is important to analyse and secure the parts and finds that have come to light, also to have an idea of what could be found in the case of future public works».

Surveillance and works

In the meantime, the excavation area has been put under strict surveillance, especially at night, by the Carabinieri of Sestu and those of the Nucleo tutela del Patrimonio culturale. Video cameras have also been installed and patrols are constant to prevent incursions by tomb raiders. As for the gas works, which are creating so many traffic problems, they will certainly slow down even if it seems they have not been suspended. The workers have in fact moved to another "clean" sector and will return to the area where the finds were found only when the archaeologists have finished bringing to light those treasures that have remained hidden for 2,400 years.

Max Ledda