Cornus Project. Excavation and Survey in the Sardinian-Punic and Roman city of Cornus (Cuglieri – OR)

Research Coordinator:

Salvatore De Vincenzo

Start Date: 2010

End Date: Undefined

Brief Description and Objectives of the Research:

The Sardo-Punic and then Roman city of Cornus is located in a strategic area, acting as the maritime outlet for the rich mining area of Montiferru, near the bay of S’Archittu, where the city’s ancient port was most likely situated. Livy highlights the political significance of Cornus, which during the revolt of 215 BC by the Sardinians and Carthaginians against Rome, he describes as the head of that region (Liv. XXIII 40, 1-12 and 41, 1-7; Sil. 12. 342-422). The aim of the project, carried out under a ministerial excavation concession (MIC), is to reconstruct the urban structure of the city over time, specifically defining its structure during the Sardo-Punic phase and the forms of continuity and discontinuity that characterize the city during the subsequent Roman phase, especially following the Second Punic War. Within the scope of this project, efforts are also being made towards the establishment of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Cuglieri.

Possible Collaborating Entities and Institutions:

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Institut für Klassische Archäologie der Freien Universität Berlin.

Type of Funding and Call:

The project was initially funded by the Excellence Cluster TOPOI: Formation and Transformation of Space and Knowledge in Ancient Civilizations (Freie Universität Berlin) and is currently funded by the Municipality of Cuglieri (OR) and, from 2020, with funds from Prin 2017.