During the 2nd millennium BC anthropomorphic menhirs belonging to a 3rd millennium BC
sanctuary were reused as building material in the Arasseda Nuraghe (Sardinia, Italy). To
analyse the Arasseda menhirs and the local Monte Ironi geological samples (presenting
similar visual features), chemical (pXRF, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), mineralogical-chemical (PXRD) and physical (Mohs hardness) measurements were performed. Through the experimental data,
the menhirs source provenance and the technological properties (workability, durability) of
the raw material chosen for sculptural purposes during Copper Age were investigated. To the
authors’ knowledge this is the first archaeometric study on the Arasseda menhirs (the third
on Sardinian menhirs) and one between the few recently developed on European megaliths
