Prehistory and the nuraghi
People reached Sardinia in the Palaeolithic. Obsidian from Monte Arci was traded across the Mediterranean, and between about 1700 and 700 BC the nuragic civilization built thousands of stone towers, sacred wells and giants' tombs.
Phoenicians, Carthage and Rome
Phoenician traders founded Nora, Tharros, Sulky and Karalis (Cagliari). Carthage took control in the 6th century BC and Rome in 238 BC, making Sardinia a granary of the empire.
Vandals, Byzantium and the Giudicati
After the Vandals and Byzantium, the island organised itself into four independent kingdoms, the Giudicati of Cagliari, Arborea, Torres and Gallura. Eleonora of Arborea issued the Carta de Logu, a law code that remained in force for centuries.
Pisa, Aragon and Spain
Pisa and Genoa competed for the island until the Crown of Aragon conquered it in the 14th century. Four centuries of Iberian rule left their mark on churches, language and Holy Week rites.
Savoy and Italy
In 1720 Sardinia passed to the House of Savoy, giving its name to the Kingdom of Sardinia, which became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Since 1948 Sardinia has been an autonomous region with special status.