Eraclea Minoa, Italy

... More

History

The town was established from Selinunte in the sixth century on the site of a pre-Greek settlement. It was called Minoa because, according to Greek tradition, King Minos of Crete, in pursuit of Daedalus, landed here in the realm of the Sican king, Cocalus. He demanded that Daedalus be handed over, but instead was murdered himself at the hands of Cocalus in the castle of Camicus. Around 505 B.C. the town was occupied by Euryelon and now became called Heracleia, or was called this in addition to its former name (the double name seldom occurred in antiquity, generally just the new name Heracleia). Situated as it was in the border-area between Greek and Carthaginian domination, the town had frequent changes of ruler. In 262 and finally in 210 B.C. it became Roman. It suffered damage in the Slaves' War of 132 B.C. and during the pillaging by Verres (73-71 B.C.). Excavations Excavation work has uncovered parts of the ancient, at one time 6km/4mi long, town wall with its bastions and gates, as well as a Greek theater (third century B.C.; its rows of seats covered with unattractive plastic). Of note are the nine seating areas with side and back-rests, which were obviously intended for important dignitaries, as well as public and private buildings and a Greek necropolis. In the antiquarium (at the excavation entrance) finds from nearby can be seen (vases, terracotta figures, household tools), as well as plans, reconstruction drawings and photographs.