Tharros: new archaeological excavations in Cabras in 2026

Tharros: archaeological excavations resume in Cabras for 2026

The archaeological investigation at Tharros continues into 2026 with a new excavation campaign led by the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Bologna, coordinated by Professor Anna Chiara Fariselli. The Cabras municipal council recently granted authorization unanimously.

The planned work focuses on areas of high archaeological value: the isthmus of Sa Codriola and part of Capo San Marco. These sectors have already yielded important finds in previous campaigns and will undergo stratigraphic excavation and specialist analyses.

• Scientific team: University of Bologna - Department of Cultural Heritage; coordination by Prof. Anna Chiara Fariselli.
• Target areas: Sa Codriola isthmus; Capo San Marco, including the Cardo maximus sector.
• Previous discoveries: well-preserved ancient kilns at the isthmus; remains of a large late-antique public building erected over an earlier, extensive Punic temple.
• Legal framework: the excavation sites are lands subject to civic use, requiring municipal approval. Under current legislation, recovered artefacts belong to the State while the University holds research ownership of the finds.

Significance: ongoing research at Tharros helps reconstruct settlement phases in the Sinis area from the Punic period to late antiquity and sheds light on local craft production and Mediterranean trade networks.

What to expect: the 2026 campaign will include stratigraphic digs, surveying, material analyses and possibly geophysical prospection. Findings will be published in scientific outlets and communicated publicly through University and municipal channels.

For updates on schedules, access or related events, check the official announcements from the Municipality of Cabras and the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Bologna.