A Lost Mediterranean Culture: The Giant Statues of Sardinia's Mont'e Prama

In 1974, thousands of shattered limestone pieces were discovered at the Monte Prama site in western Sardinia. These pieces have been reassembled into dozens of striking, colossal statues that reward close study by archaeologists, historians, conservators, and restorers. The giant statues and the individual tombs in this monumental necropolis—sculpted by a powerful Mediterranean civilization—make Monte Prama a uniquely rich representation of a cultures values and traditions in the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In 1974, a remarkable discovery was made at the Monte Prama site in western Sardinia. Thousands of shattered limestone pieces were unearthed, and these fragments were skillfully reassembled into dozens of striking, colossal statues that have captivated the attention of archaeologists, historians, conservators, and restorers. The sheer magnitude and intricacy of these statues, sculpted by a powerful Mediterranean civilization, make Monte Prama a truly unique representation of the values and traditions of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

This groundbreaking English-language book is the first to delve into the captivating world of Monte Prama's limestone statues. These remarkable archaeological discoveries, considered among the most significant of the past fifty years, continue to yield fresh insights even today. The authors of this book are at the forefront of the excavation and restoration efforts, conducting extensive research on the artifacts and their historical context. They also present the eerie faces, towering bodies, and expansive site of Monte Prama to the world, offering a captivating glimpse into this lost Mediterranean culture.

A Lost Mediterranean Culture takes the reader on a detailed journey through the various discoveries made at Monte Prama. It recounts the rich history of scholarship on these artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and understanding accumulated over the years. The book also delves into the landscape, context, and meticulous restoration efforts undertaken to preserve and protect these invaluable treasures. Additionally, it addresses the issue of illicit trafficking of Sardinian cultural property, shedding light on the challenges faced by cultural heritage organizations in safeguarding these precious artifacts.

Lavishly illustrated with photographs and other figures that showcase fine details, A Lost Mediterranean Culture offers a fresh perspective for specialists and captivates a wider audience with the sheer beauty of these massive sculptures. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of Monte Prama's limestone statues, shedding light on the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of this remarkable site. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 185 x 261 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231212106