Motyas

Motyas, also known as Mozia in Italian, refers to the ancient Phoenician-Punic city and its inhabitants on Mozia Island off the western coast of Sicily. The site lies in the Stagnone lagoon near Marsala, in the province of Trapani. Motyas developed as a coastal trading center in the first millennium BCE, benefiting from its position along Mediterranean routes between Sicily, Sardinia, and North Africa. Archaeological finds indicate substantial wealth, with temple precincts, imported goods, and elaborate grave offerings pointing to a prosperous community.

The city was destroyed and declined during conflicts in the 4th century BCE, after which the settlement’s remains were reused by successive groups and the site faded from prominence. Later activity on the island was limited, and Motyas remained largely in ruins for centuries.

Archaeology and artifacts: Excavations from the mid-20th century onward have revealed extensive urban remains, fortifications, and a Phoenician-Punic sanctuary. A notable find is the Motya Charioteer, a life-size marble statue dating to the 5th century BCE, discovered on Motya in 1969. The statue is regarded as a masterpiece of Punic art and is housed in the Museo Whitaker on Mozia, which preserves a collection of artifacts from the site.

Today, Mozia is an archaeological park and part of the Stagnone Nature Reserve. The island is reachable by ferry from Marsala, and its museum complex serves researchers and visitors interested in Phoenician-Punic Sicily.