TETRARCHs project members Sara Perry (PI), Paola Derudas, Eloise Moody and Anna Simandiraki-Grimshaw visited Sardinia between 08-11 October 2024. We forged a collaboration, through TETRARCHs member Paola Derudas, with the Tharros Archaeological Research Project (TARP), led by Prof. Steven Ellis (University of Cincinnati, USA) and Prof. Eric Poehler (University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA), as well as Fondazione Mont’e Prama, led by Giorgio Murru (scientific director).
We also planned for Tharros fieldwork in June 2025, during which all three teams will experiment with archaeological data gathering and reuse through storytelling.
Over the course of our visit we were guided through the archaeological sites of the Hypogeum of San Salvatore, the necropolis of Mont’e Prama and the multicultural ancient city of Tharros. TETRARCHs members also had the opportunity to enjoy a visit to the Museo Civico Giovanni Marongiu and get acquainted with the Giants of Mont’e Prama.
We planned for our collaboration, in both Italian and English, via meetings at the Fondazione offices at the Museo Civico Giovanni Marongiu, and through a storytelling workshop (run by Sara Perry, Anna Simandiraki-Grimshaw and Paola Derudas) meant to help us consider how to implement storytelling activities with wider communities in the months ahead.
We also participated in a public archaeological evening, “I Venerdì al museo”, this time specifically centred on Tharros. The event was introduced by Giorgio Murru, who familiarised the audience with the speakers and the emerging collaboration. Steven Ellis gave a keynote speech in Italian on the latest research of the University of Cincinnati team (TARP) and some preliminary results which shed light on the urban development of Tharros.
Steven’s talk was followed by a brief presentation by Sara Perry, translated in Italian by Paola Derudas, on the aims, intentions and range of TETRARCHs. Afterwards, some community attendees expressed interest and encouragement not only about the collaboration, but also about the intent to broaden inclusion in and access to archaeological knowledge.
Overall, the visit was inspiring, and we are looking forward to returning to Sardinia next year to realise our goals. The TETRARCHs team is grateful to all involved for their enthusiasm, positive working attitude and generous hospitality!
Blog post written by Anna Simandiraki-Grimshaw and Sara Perry, with input from Steven Ellis and Marica Becciu.