North of Alghero, near the Rio Filibertu, in an area known as I Piani, we can find the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis. It is one of the largest developments of Domus de Janas ever uncovered in Sardinia and dates between 4200 and 1600 B.C. Overall, there are 38 graves, split into 2 main groups: of 31 and 7 units, with complex and articulated layouts (with up to 11 rooms) while only one (no. 26) is a single cell.
There are two kinds of tomb: vertical well and descending dromos (corridor), the former being the oldest and most uneven ones, with round layout and the other more recent ones, with a T or sunburst arrangement which is much more symmetrical.
They display typical architectural details of these graves, reproducing features of the homes of the living: imitation doors, imitation windows, imitation architraves, steps, frames and decorations such as bull protomes, engravings and reliefs with a great deal of red ochre used. One of the most interesting graves is no.28 where an outlined Bull and Dea Madre are carved.
The findings uncovered in the domus, which were sealed by lithic slabs, are mostly funeral goods: weapons or stone necklaces, shells, necklace beads and feminine statues. Furthermore, remains of funeral meals were found, inside cupels in the ground for offerings, which unveil rituals linked to neolithic sacredness.
