Thiesi
Thiesi: a historic village in northwestern Sardinia
Thiesi is an ancient village located in northwestern Sardinia, in the historic subregion of Meilogu. With a population of 2776 inhabitants, this Municipality in the province of Sassari is known for its centuries-old history and the beauty of its landscapes. In this text, we discover the origins of the name Thiesi, the history of the city, and an important event in its history: the Sa die de s'atacu.
Origins of the name
The name of the village may surprise you for the presence of an "h" within T[h]iesi. However, ancient maps show that the true name was Tiesi, without the "h". It was only during the Fascist period that the "h" was added to the name of the village. It is presumed that the origin of the name is pre-Greek, similar to the name of the pre-Greek Cypriot city of Τηγεσσός. In addition, a document from 1436 concerning the enfeoffment of the towns of Thiesi, Cheremule and Bessude mentions the name "Thiessi", with the "h".
History
Thiesi has ancient origins, dating back to the Nuragic era, during which some of the imposing nuraghi were built in the surrounding territory. In the Middle Ages, the city belonged to the judicate of Torres and was part of the curatorship of Meiulocu. With the fall of the judicate in 1259, the territory passed to the Genoese family of Doria, followed by the Malaspina and the judicate of Arborea. In 1347, the Aragonese managed to conquer the territory, including the former curatorship of Thiesi.
Sa die de s'atacu
One of the most important events in Thiesi's history is the Sa die de s'atacu. In the 18th century, in Sardinia, there was an important revolutionary movement, led by figures such as Giovanni Maria Angioy, with anti-monarchical and revolutionary ideas. In Thiesi, the population joined the movement and demanded the abolition of the feudal regime. In 1795, Thiesi, Bessude and Cheremule entered into an agreement against the feudal regime. In 1799, the Count of Moriana was appointed governor of Sassari and began visiting the villages. He discovered the misery and harassment of the feudatories and tried to appease the abuses by issuing new rules for the collection of taxes. However, the feudatories refused to apply the viceregal edict. Feudatory Antonio Manca, Duke of Asinara, ordered the collection of taxes, but the population, on the night of September 22-23, 1800, organized a protest demonstration. The next day, the mayor with a delegation went to Sassari to inform the viceroy of what had happened. The viceroy promised to intervene against the Duke of Asinara.
Conclusion
Thiesi is a historic village of breathtaking beauty. With centuries of history and important events, the city has evolved into an enchanting place, full of charm and traditions. The narrow and winding streets, ancient nuraghi, and beautiful panoramas are just some of the reasons to visit Thiesi.
