Nora

The Oldest City in Sardinia

The history of Nora is steeped in the allure of antiquity. Located along the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Nora is considered one of the island’s most significant archaeological sites. The city boasts an extraordinarily long history, beginning with the Phoenicians, continuing under Carthaginian rule, and later flourishing as one of the most important centers of the Roman era. Even today, walking among its ruins, one can sense the historical value of this place, founded by the mythical leader Norax and preserved through centuries of history.

Phoenician Origins

Founded by the Phoenicians around the 9th century BCE, Nora was a strategic trading settlement for populations connecting the eastern Mediterranean with Sardinian resources. The earliest archaeological traces of this settlement have been found in the eastern part of the peninsula, where excavations revealed a series of temporary structures used by Phoenician merchants. Among the most significant discoveries is the famous Nora Stele, one of the oldest written records in Sardinia, likely referencing an important sacred area. Over time, Nora became a key hub in the trade of metals and other valuable materials.

Carthaginian Domination

From the 6th century BCE, Nora became part of the control system of the powerful Carthage, transforming into a true center of administration and commerce. The Carthaginians developed Nora into a complex city, featuring a district with warehouses, residences, and a port that connected it to the main routes of the western Mediterranean. During this period, numerous temples and sacred areas were constructed to honor Phoenician deities, such as the Temple of Tanit, located on one of the city's elevations. Nora’s importance grew further with the development of monumental necropolises and the tophet, an area dedicated to funerary rites and ritual sacrifices. This site highlights the city’s role as a religious and commercial hub, reinforced by the presence of quarries and production facilities.

The Roman Age: The Greatness of Nora

With the arrival of the Romans, Nora underwent significant transformation, becoming one of the most developed centers on the island. It was during the 1st century CE that the city reached its peak, marked by the construction of numerous public works. The Roman theater of Nora, unique in Sardinia and still well-preserved, could accommodate up to 1,200 spectators. The Romans also built a small amphitheater, making Nora the only Sardinian city equipped with both types of structures. The forum, the heart of public and political life, was adorned with honorary statues and temples, including the impressive Temple of Asclepius. During the Severan period, between the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, Nora experienced significant infrastructural development, with the construction of aqueducts, baths, and new paved streets. The Roman baths, including the Sea Baths and the Small Baths, reflect the importance placed on body care and social interaction. These structures not only enhanced the quality of life for the inhabitants but also gave the city a monumental character that continues to captivate visitors today.

Nora's Decline and End

Nora continued to thrive until the 5th century CE, despite challenges brought by the Vandal conquest. Even during this period of crisis, the city retained some economic and social vitality. The city aqueduct was restored, and a final Christian place of worship was erected: a three-nave basilica. However, with the arrival of the Vandals and later the Byzantines, the city began a slow decline that culminated in its eventual abandonment. Today, the archaeological site of Nora is open to visitors and serves as an open-air museum. Among the ruins, you can admire mosaics, columns, and the remains of ancient baths—testimonies of a city that, over the centuries, served as a meeting point for cultures and civilizations.