Ollolai
Ollolai: a brief introduction
Hello friends! Today I'm going to talk to you about a very interesting Italian commune: Ollolai. Located in Sardinia, this commune of 1177 inhabitants is famous for its elevated position, in fact it is the second highest commune in Sardinia at an altitude of 920 meters. In this text I will tell you a little about the history and origins of the name Ollolai.
Origins of the name
The name Ollolai comes from the ancient Sardinian tribe called the "Iolaesi" or "Iolei" which moved from the Campidano plain to Barbagia. According to legend, the Iolaesi were a bellicose tribe that later became known as the Iliesi. After the fleeing Nuragic people from the Campidano plains joined the tribe, the town of Ollolai and its community were said to have originated.
History
From Prehistory to the Byzantine period
The roots of Ollolai date back to 4000 BC. On the mountain of "Santu Basili", there are the remains of the first human settlements. Over time, different tribes joined forces and created the Barbagia of Ollolai. In the Barbagia of Ollolai, the community still practiced paganism, while Christianity had rapidly taken hold in the plains of Sardinia. The Byzantine emperor, Maurice, realized that he would have to intervene and asked for the help of Pope Gregory I. The pontiff turned to the leader of the barbaricini, Ospitone, who lived on the mountains of "Santu Basili" and had already converted to Christianity, to help or at least not hinder the missionary work.
Judical period
During the judicial period, Ollolai was the capital of Barbagia and was part of the Arborea judiciary. Within the Barbagia of Ollolai, the municipalities of Gavoi, Lodine, Fonni, Ovodda, Olzai, Mamoiada, Teti, Austis and Tiana were initially part of the area. Later on, Orgosolo and Oliena were integrated.
A crucial event in Ollolai's history was the fire that destroyed the village in 1490. The "Arbau" and "Ladu", the two most powerful families in Ollolai, were fighting for their position for or against the Aragonese and the kingdom of Arborea. During the "Disamistade" of the 90s, a son of the "Ladu" was killed, and his body was found in the well of the convent garden. The Franciscan friars were wrongly accused of the murder and abandoned the village, taking with them a valuable wooden crucifix from Ollolai that is now preserved in the Cathedral of Santa Giusta a few kilometers from Oristano.
Conclusion
So, friends, this is Ollolai: a complex commune, full of history and charm! From the prehistoric period to the judicial period of Sardinia, Ollolai has been the center of many tribes, the birthplace of Christianity in the area, and has experienced the political dilemma of supporting either the Aragonese or the kingdom of Arborea. This small commune has been at the center of many important events, and now we know a little more about its history!
