Archaeologists discover 5,000-year-old "fairy houses' in Italy PHOTO

A team of archaeologists has unearthed three remarkably well-preserved prehistoric tombs, known as Domus de Janas or “fairy houses,” in Sardinia, Italy, shedding new light on the island’s ancient funerary culture.

Discovered during restoration works at the Necropolis of Saint Andrea Priu — a sprawling archaeological site with ruins spanning from prehistoric times to the Early Middle Ages — the newly revealed underground tombs had gone unnoticed for nearly two centuries, despite extensive research in the area, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to a July 29 statement from the Regional Secretariat of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, archaeologists noticed unusual terrain features between two previously known tombs and began excavation. What they uncovered exceeded expectations: three subterranean structures carved into the rock more than 5,000 years ago, believed to have served as burial sites for Sardinia’s prehistoric communities.

The tombs — designated Tomb XVIII, XIX, and XX — exhibit varying complexity and artefacts.

• Tomb XVIII contains a corridor-like entrance, a central rectangular chamber with a symbolic hearth, and two adjoining rooms. Nearby, researchers found obsidian fragments, a spindle, and pickaxes.

• Tomb XIX, the smallest, includes a central chamber and a rounded side chamber. Inside, archaeologists uncovered pottery, including a miniature vase.

• Tomb XX is the most elaborate, featuring seven chambers, traces of decorative paint, and over 30 Roman-era artefacts such as jugs, plates, and oil lamps — a rare overlap of prehistoric and Roman material.

The domus de janas, literally meaning “houses of the fairies,” are believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 5000 BCE. Though once surrounded by folklore — said to be homes to mythical fairies who guarded children and shared riches — these rock-cut tombs are now recognised by UNESCO as evidence of advanced prehistoric ritual practices and social structures.

While precise dating of the new tombs is still pending, officials confirm they are consistent with other prehistoric burials on the island. Their discovery is expected to significantly enhance understanding of Sardinia’s early human history.

By Vugar Khalilov