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
History of the Jews in Sardinia and Corsica were also ordered to leave. Many Sardinian Jews arrived in Malta, Greece, and Calabria, Italy, which became a temporary home for other Sephardic refugees as well. Sardinia is also mentioned in the Inquisition records pertaining to a population of Marranos. During the 19th century a modest number of Jewish families from Italy settled back on the island. Sardinian Jews were emancipated on March 29, 1848. In the years that followed, 180 Jews joined the Sardinian army. The Prime minister of Sardinia became embroiled in the Edgardo Mortara affair. A secret plot was hatched to kidnap the boy and