History of Sardinia strongholds on strategic points in the south and west of Sardinia, often peninsulas or islands near estuaries, easy to defend and natural harbours, such as Tharros, Bithia, Sulci, Nora and Caralis (Cagliari). The majority of the inhabitants in these cities were of indigenous nuragic stock while the Phoenician element was, although culturally predominant, in minority. The Phoenicians came originally from what is now Lebanon and founded a vast trading network in the Mediterranean. Sardinia had a special position because it was central in the Western Mediterranean between Carthage, Spain, the river Rhône and the Etruscan civilization area. The mining area
Arbus, Sardinia a large dune system spanning approximately . Is considered one of the biggest dune systems in Europe. Main sights of Arbus include: Arbus, Sardinia Arbus is a "comune" (municipality) in the Province of South Sardinia in the Italian region of Sardinia. Located in the southwest coast of the island, Arbus is known for its coastline, the Costa Verde, and for several archeological sites, such as the mines of Montevecchio. With an area of , Arbus is the second largest municipality in Sardinia. Arbus has been inhabited by man since the ancient Neolithic. It includes a mountain district which separates Medio