A composite anchor from the living area of Tharros (Sardinia)

Abstract

The stone anchor examined in this article is located in the western quarter of Tharros, excavated by Superintendent Gennaro Pesce between 1961 and 1963. It has a trapezoidal shape, a square rope-hole and two rectangular teeth-holes. These features allow to insert it into the “composite anchor” type, attested in all the Mediterranean area since the Late Bronze Age, even if ones with square/rectangular holes seem to be attributable to a period between 700/600 BC and 600/575 BC, based on the teeth-holes. However, the Tharros’ anchor was likely reused in the living quarter in a later period for the needs of the inhabitants of the area.