Akragas

Akragas, known in Latin as Agrigentum, was a prominent ancient Greek city-state in Sicily, situated on the southern coast near the modern city of Agrigento. It was founded in the early 6th century BCE by Greek colonists from Gela and quickly grew into one of Magna Graecia’s most powerful cities, benefiting from fertile hinterlands, thriving agriculture, and control of regional trade routes.

During the 5th century BCE Akragas built monumental temples in the nearby Valley of the Temples, an enduring emblem of its wealth and cultural influence. The city also produced notable rulers, including Theron, a tyrant who consolidated power and supported grand construction projects and military ventures against rival city-states.

Political fortunes waned after conflicts with rival Sicilian powers and Carthage. In 406 BCE Carthaginian forces besieged and destroyed parts of the city, contributing to its decline. Under Roman rule the site remained inhabited but never regained its former political importance.

The archaeological area around Akragas, especially the Valley of the Temples, preserves a group of Doric temples dating to the 5th century BCE. The remains, including the Temple of Concordia and other monolithic sanctuaries, are a major tourist and scholarly site. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as part of the Archaeological Area of Agrigento.

Today the ancient city is remembered as the origin of the modern town of Agrigento, which occupies the same area and preserves the legacy of Akragas.