The moat in the northern fortifications on Su Muru Mannu, which lost its defensive purpose around 50 B.C., was partly filled in, and then used for a small necropolis at a later date, from the 1st century A.D. onwards.

Fig. 1 - Location of the necropolis in the moat at Su Muru Mannu (from Google Earth. Review C. Tronchetti)

Fig. 2 - The moat and the Roman necropolis (photo by Unicity S.p.A.)

There is a small funeral mausoleum among the tombs, that was placed right in front of the postern on the perimeter wall.

Fig. 3 - The mausoleum built in front of the postern (photo C. Tronchetti)

This is a rather modest structure, with an enclosed area made from blocks, probably open air, accessed by two steps and paved with irregular stones. Inside, on one side, there is a real tomb, already violated and destroyed in ancient times. However, it is possible to see that it was a cupae, with its parallelepiped and vaulted upper part (fig. 4).

Fig. 4 - The mausoleum built in front of the postern (photo C. Tronchetti)

This small structure had a square block base, one of which carries a relief sculpture of an axe (fig. 5).

Fig. 5 - Base of the mausoleum with the symbol of an axe (photo C. Tronchetti)

The sign of the axe was well known throughout the western Roman world, where it has been found on tombs from the Roman Empire Era. Its interpretation is not unique and shared by all experts: the most commonly accepted one interprets the axe as a sign to ward off evil and therefore protect the tomb; others believe it represents the type of burial by inhumation as opposed to cremation; another interpretation is the axe as a mystic symbol.

Under the floor, at about 60 cm depth, there was a stone sarcophagus, roughly made from two parts in different materials, placed together to reach the necessary length. The remains of the deceased and a few fragments of glass, left over from the original funeral goods (fig. 6) were found inside.

Fig. 6 - The sarcophagus with the remains of the deceased (photo C. Tronchetti)

This small monument has been dated thanks to a bronze coin from the Emperor Domitian’s reign, between 88 and 89 A.D., which was found in the foundations.