Selinus
Selinus, known today as Selinunte, was an ancient Greek city on the south-western coast of Sicily. Here are some key details:
- Foundation: The city was founded by settlers from Megara Hyblaea in the mid-7th century BCE, around 628 BCE, as a result of internal conflicts and overpopulation in the mother city.
- Location: It was strategically positioned along the coast to control trade routes and agricultural lands, with its remains now located within the modern Italian region of Sicily.
- Architecture: Selinus was known for its extensive urban planning, featuring a grid system, and for its impressive array of Greek temples. The most famous are Temples E, F, and G, which showcase Doric architecture. Temple E, dedicated to Hera, is particularly well-known for its intricate metopes, some of which are preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Selinunte.
- History:
- The city thrived due to its fertile lands and its position on the trade routes between Greece, Carthage, and Etruria. However, its prosperity led to conflicts with neighboring Carthage and Syracuse.
- In 409 BCE, Carthage attacked Selinus, leading to its eventual destruction. The city was razed to the ground, and its population was either killed, enslaved, or dispersed.
- After this event, Selinus never fully recovered, though there were attempts at rebuilding.
- Archaeological Significance: The site of Selinus is one of the most extensive and best-preserved Greek archaeological sites in the Western Mediterranean. Excavations have revealed not only temples but also the city's walls, the agora, private houses, and public buildings.
- Modern Day: Today, Selinunte is an archaeological park where visitors can explore the ruins of this once-great city. The site includes a museum displaying artifacts found during excavations, providing insights into the life and culture of ancient Selinus.
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