The eastern tower of Filitosa-Turrichju (Sollacaro, Corsica) and the topic of bastions in the Early and Middle Bronze Age Southern Corsica fortified settlements

Abstract

Filitosa-Turrichju is a fortified settlement perched on a ridge, commanding views over a low valley in southwest Corsica. Established around 1700 BC, it was subsequently abandoned around 1200 BC. The site is safeguarded by a wall that completely encircles the area, with only two openings: a main entrance to the east and a smaller postern to the northeast. Two turriform monuments have been built in the central and western parts of the settlement. These structures, known as 'torre', are characteristic of the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age and were used as granaries and workshops for food storage and processing. Towards the east, near the entrance, a third but smaller turriform drystone structure presents more challenges in terms of interpretation. Thanks to observations made on the monument in 2023 and a more precise integration of contextual data, we can now confirm that this building served as a bastion designed to enhance the stronghold's defenses at its most strategic point. To support our argument, we suggest a broader examination of the few other Bronze Age strongholds in southern Corsica.

Keywords: Corsica, Middle Bronze Age, defensive architecture, bastion