The Ancient City of Selinunte: A Rich Archaeological Heritage

Selinunte, an ancient Greek city located in southwestern Sicily, was once a major hub in the region of Magna Graecia. The city is renowned for its impressive archaeological sites, including several monumental temples dating back to the 6th century BCE. This city has long been a treasure trove for historians and archaeologists alike, offering deep insights into the ancient world.

Decade-Long Excavation Efforts

For over a decade, a team of archaeologists from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts and the University of Milan has been dedicated to uncovering the secrets of Selinunte. Their focus has been on the expansive urban sanctuary within the Acropolis, a sacred area that was a key religious center during the Archaic and Classical periods.

*Photo Credit: Selinunte Archaeological Park*

A New Temple Discovered

This year, the team made a remarkable discovery: a previously unknown temple complex situated just behind the well-known Temple C. Temple C, believed to have been dedicated to Apollo, is a Doric-style temple constructed around the mid-6th century BCE. It has been the focal point of past excavations, which uncovered hundreds of ancient seals, suggesting its use as an archive.

The newly uncovered temple is distinct from others in the area. Described as “of great value” by Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, the temple is rectangular and lacks the colonnade typical of other Selinunte temples. The structure is modest in size, measuring about two-thirds the size of the nearby Temple R.

Additional Significant Findings

The excavation also revealed a large monumental entrance to the northwest of the Acropolis, as well as a room containing a circular well, various coins, and a valuable piece of gold jewellery. These findings, which may date back to the Middle and Late Corinthian periods (approximately 580 to 570 BCE), provide crucial insights into the early years of Selinunte.

Rituals and Symbolism

The researchers also made significant progress in understanding the rituals associated with the construction of Temple R. Archaeological evidence suggests that the surrounding structures were deliberately demolished as part of a “purification” ritual. Among the artefacts discovered was an iron spear (machaira) that had been deliberately defunctionalized by removing its tip and edge, symbolically stripping the weapon of its offensive power.

Rewriting the History of Selinunte

These discoveries offer the potential to rewrite the history and understanding of Selinunte’s sacred areas. The new temple complex, along with the other artefacts unearthed, promises to add valuable chapters to the story of this ancient city, shedding light on its religious and cultural practices during its early years.

Unearthing a hidden temple complex in Ancient Selinunte!