Tharros, Archaeological site in Cabras, Italy
Tharros is an archaeological site in Cabras on the western coast of Sardinia, occupying a rocky peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Oristano. The sprawling remains include paved streets with deep ruts, residential structures of cut stone, and foundations of several public buildings arranged on a hillside facing the sea.
Phoenician traders established a settlement on the peninsula in the 8th century BC, using its sheltered position for maritime commerce. The town grew under Punic rule and was later taken by Rome, which added new infrastructure such as baths and a forum.
The multiple burial grounds show different funerary practices, including stone chamber tombs and open cremation sites, revealing the religious rituals of diverse communities. Visitors can explore the preserved outlines of sacred precincts where residents performed their ceremonies and offerings.
The site opens daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and offers pathways that wind through the different excavation zones. Wear sturdy shoes as the surfaces are rocky and uneven, and expect strong winds from the sea.
Analysis of skeletons from the southern burial ground showed individuals from North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula were interred here, revealing the far-reaching trade links of the ancient port. The diverse origins reflect the Mediterranean mobility of its inhabitants across centuries.
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