A spatial statistical study of the distribution of Sardinian nuraghes

A spatial statistical analysis of Sardinian nuraghes reveals significant clustering patterns and strong interactions with funerary structures, particularly domus de janas. The study found that nuraghe elevations are uniformly distributed between 0 and 400 meters, while their proximity to holy wells peaks at approximately 5 kilometers. Clustering is most pronounced in the mid-west, central, and south-west regions of Sardinia. Additionally, strong spatial interactions were observed with pre-Nuragic dolmens, menhirs, and collective funerary structures like 'Nuragic giants’ tombs' within a 1000-meter range. This research provides new insights into the spatial relationships between prehistoric sites, employing non-stationary G- and J-functions and Poisson models to quantify these patterns effectively.

Stein, A., Detotto, C., & Belgiu, M. (2022). A spatial statistical study of the distribution of Sardinian nuraghes. Annals of GIS, 28(3), 245–261. https://doi.org/10.1080/19475683.2022.2043937