THE NURAGHES AS ANCIENT TOWERS OF SILENCE.

The ancient Bronze Age nuraghes civilization has left rich cultural heritage where major role plays characteristic tower-shaped buildings most widely spread at Sardinia. The purpose of these structures is unknown, yet the studies have confirmed that these are ancient necropolis structures and they were rebuilt several times for similar purposes. All this makes their studies and interpretation very difficult. Our study allows us to associate these nuraghes structures with the necropolis functions and probably significant changes in the religious perceptions. Most likely these tower-shaped structures initially were built as the Towers of Silence, but later rebuilt for the need of other sacral rituals. These phases can be identified analysing the quality of the stone material used for the construction and the intensity of decay of the exposed surfaces of stones. However, the tower-shaped stone structures harmoniously fit in the environment and can be considered as semi-natural geological heritage monuments of high value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]