Monte d’Accoddi and the end of the Neolithic in Sardinia (Italy)

The Prenuragic shrine of Monte d’Accoddi is probably the most comprehensive representation
of prehistory in Sardinia, both because it was continuously frequented from the Middle
Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, and because it contains the most significant elements of tradition
and innovation during the passage from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic. Previous studies have defined
Monte d’Accoddi as an altar, a ziggurat, a temple, or a step pyramid, and a wide debate has been generated
about its hypothetical genetic relationship, reconstructive hypothesis, and significance. This
paper does not analyse the above issues, but draws attention to other controversial problems, such
as chronology or less studied aspects such as crafts. New radiocarbon dating from sites in the South
of Sardinia and recent data that has been published about craft production relating to the shrine
allow us to date the building of the first monument (4000–3650 calBC) to the Ozieri facies, with the
second shrine dating to the Sub Ozieri (3500–3000 calBC) facies.