Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history influenced by various cultures. It was inhabited by the Nuragic civilization around 1800 BC, known for its distinctive stone towers called nuraghi. Over the centuries, Sardinia was ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines, each leaving their mark on the island's culture and architecture. In the Middle Ages, Sardinia became part of the Crown of Aragon and later the Spanish Empire. It was not until the 18th century that Sardinia became part of the Kingdom of Italy. Today, the island retains a unique identity, with its own languages and traditions.