Selinus

Selinus, also known as Selinunte in Italian, is an ancient Greek city-state on the southwestern coast of Sicily, near present-day Castelvetrano in the province of Trapani. It was one of the major Greek colonies in Sicily, flourishing from the 7th to the 4th centuries BCE and playing a central role in regional trade and politics.

Foundation and development: The city was established in the 7th century BCE by Greek colonists and quickly grew into a powerful urban center with a defined acropolis, public temples, and surrounding fortifications. It controlled hinterland resources and maritime routes along the southern Sicilian coast, engaging in rivalry with neighboring city-states and with Carthage.

Archaeological remains: The site today is known as the Selinunte Archaeological Park, one of the largest ancient Greek temple complexes in the Mediterranean. It preserves a group of monumental Doric temples dating from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, typically labeled as Temples A through F, along with remains of the city walls, agora, and other public buildings. The ruins provide a clear picture of the city’s urban layout and religious architecture.

Destruction and later history: In 409 BCE, Carthaginian forces besieged and destroyed Selinus, destroying much of the city and precipitating a long decline. Although some activity continued in the following centuries, Selinus never regained its former prominence, and the site was eventually abandoned.

Today: The ruins lie within the Selinunte Archaeological Park, a major cultural and tourist site in Sicily. Excavations and restoration efforts since the 19th century have helped preserve and study the remains, contributing to understanding of early Greek colonization in the western Mediterranean.