Location
It's situated on the promontory of Chia Point and the marsh that lies behind, in ancient times, was further widespread. It痴 a typical marsh settlement.
The archaeological evidence dates back far, beginning in the VII century.
The last Neo-Punic inscription known in Sardinia, dating back between the II and III centuries A.D., comes from Bitia.
Most of the buildings are located around the marsh, especially to the north in Mount Cogoni.
Its Name
The antique centre of Bitia has kept in its Greek name the adaptation of the Punic name (bitan) as has been proven by an inscription found on site.
The Temple of Bes
The so-called Temple of Bes is located in the area of the Necropolis. The building, dating back to the late period with later restoration by the Romans, is situated in a Punic, well-type sepulchral area from the VI century B.C. The building has three rooms in a row; the first room痴 floor is raised, the second room is characterized by a series of smaller, lateral quarters and the third one contains the foundation of the aedicule on which the statue to be worshipped most likely rose. The discovery of the stone image of so-called Bes gave this settlement its name. This statue reproduces the bearded god Bes posed in a frontal position. Together with snakes, typical attributes of the divinities, the god carries a square slab on his head, perhaps the schematization of a feather or leaf diadem. His body, massive and stocky, is modelled in the nude with a careful juxtaposition of proportions. The sculpture, that of which iconography is repeated in the analogous examples in Cagliari, Maracalagonis and Fordongianus, is probably the most accurate of all in its execution and coherence.
The Figurines in Bitti
Bitia is home to a handicraft production that testifies the original Sardinian-Punic culture痴 characteristics. To be noted are the clay figurines produced in Bitia.
The potter痴 wheel朴roduced statuettes present variations, for the most part of two kinds:
� movement of the arms
� facial characterization
The arms are formed with applied elements and placed touching various parts of the body. Their position most likely indicated the ill parts on the person痴 body making the offering. Other applied elements contribute to characterize the hand-moulded face. These are used especially for the nose, chin, ears, eyebrows, eyes and mouth. In addition, perforation is used to identify the pavilion of the ear and the nostrils. Touch-ups done with sticks, used little elsewhere, were largely used for the hair, eyebrows, moustache, beard and hands. The bodies are generally bell-shaped and rarely oval. Here there are numerous variations depending on the category. The profiles are often animated by angles and constrictions.
There are also many types of bases; hammered, corded edging, flared cylinder bases and double and triple rings. The local elements, seemingly of nuraghic bronze production and in a later time period than those of other Punic groups, are the partial cause for the variety and the autonomy of these figures.
