Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Akragas

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison According to legend, the Chiesa Sant'Antonio Abbate dates back to a Christianized mosque, but the floor plan could also be late Roman or Byzantine. The building received its current shape in Norman times

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. Hundreds of such oil lamps were found.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The statue of the goddess is 2.24m high and was sculpted in Sicily in the 5th century BC. The statue was stolen from the archaeological site of Morgantina in the second half of the 20th century. Das Paul Getty Museum bought it for 10.000.000 Euros from a London company and exhibited it in 1988. In 2001, the Court of Enna sentenced a fence to two years in prison and a fine of 40 billion lire (more than 2 million Euros). it was the first case in Italian law in which such a sanction was imposed on the clandestine export of an archaeological find. On 17 March 2011, on the 150th anniversary of national unity, the "Goddess of Morgantina" was returned to Italy.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The "Morgantina treasure" is a set of Greek silverware dating from the 3rd century BC, illegally excavated from Morgantina. It includes two large bowls, a cup with two handles, plates, and several drinking utensils. It was probably excavated around 1978 and was bought by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1981 and 1982. After protracted pressure, in 2010, the treasure was transferred from the Metropolitan to Rome, before returning to Sicily. The treasure was deposited in an ancient building of Morgantina, perhaps hidden there at the sack of the city in 211 BC. The creation of the objects is dated to around 240 BC. Bust of Persephone with remains of painting - 3rd century BC.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The "Morgantina treasure" is a set of Greek silverware dating from the 3rd century BC, illegally excavated from Morgantina. It includes two large bowls, a cup with two handles, plates, and several drinking utensils. It was probably excavated around 1978 and was bought by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1981 and 1982. After protracted pressure, in 2010, the treasure was transferred from the Metropolitan to Rome, before returning to Sicily. The treasure was deposited in an ancient building of Morgantina, perhaps hidden there at the sack of the city in 211 BC. The creation of the objects is dated to around 240 BC.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. Bust of Persephone. 3rd century BC.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today the Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 - and is the home of some Girgentana goats. These goats are native to northern Afghanistan and Balochistan. According to some authors, these goats were imported to Sicily by the Greeks already (others attribute the import to the Arabs). Its name derives from "Girgenti", once the name of Agrigento.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today the Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The greek polis developed in terraces and had a regular urban plan. In the 6th century BC, a massive defence wall, 12 kilometres long with 9 gates was built around Akragas. The city flourished but got destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406BC. Later it got "refounded" by Greek settlers, but played a role during the Punic wars, when the Carthaginians had a base here. In 210 BC the Romans conquered it and named it Agrigentum.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today the Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The greek polis developed in terraces and had a regular urban plan. In the 6th century BC, a massive defence wall, 12 kilometres long with 9 gates was built around Akragas. The city flourished but got destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406BC. Later it got "refounded" by Greek settlers, but played a role during the Punic wars, when the Carthaginians had a base here. In 210 BC the Romans conquered it and named it Agrigentum.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today the Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The greek polis developed in terraces and had a regular urban plan. In the 6th century BC, a massive defence wall, 12 kilometres long with 9 gates was built around Akragas. The city flourished but got destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406BC. Later it got "refounded" by Greek settlers, but played a role during the Punic wars, when the Carthaginians had a base here. In 210 BC the Romans conquered it and named it Agrigentum. The "Temple of Zeus", mentioned in ancient texts, was the largest Doric temple in the western Greek world. The ruins, visible today, are what survived of the destruction in ancient and modern times, when the stone blocks from the temple were used as building material. The roofs of the temple were omce supported by giant atlasses. One of them stretches on the ground now.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today the Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The greek polis developed in terraces and had a regular urban plan. In the 6th century BC, a massive defence wall, 12 kilometres long with 9 gates was built around Akragas. The city flourished but got destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406BC. Later it got "refounded" by Greek settlers, but played a role during the Punic wars, when the Carthaginians had a base here. In 210 BC the Romans conquered it and named it Agrigentum. The "Temple of Zeus", mentioned in ancient texts, was the largest Doric temple in the western Greek world. The ruins, visible today, are what survived of the destruction in ancient and modern times, when the stone blocks from the temple were used as building material.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. Today thousands of visitors pass the gates to the Valle dei Templi every day. For the refreshments, a little kiosque is installed equipped with vending machines.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. The Archeological Park extends over 1300 hectares and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The greek polis developed in terraces and had a regular urban plan. In the 6th century BC, a massive defence wall, 12 kilometres long with 9 gates was built around Akragas. The city flourished but got destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406BC. Later it got "refounded" by Greek settlers, but played a role during the Punic wars, when the Carthaginians had a base here. In 210 BC the Romans conquered it and named it Agrigentum.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. In 1921 Sir Alexander Hardcastle, a captain in the British army, came to Agrigento (called Girgenti in the 1920s) to benefit from its mild climate and to admire the rich archaeological heritage. He decided to live permanently in Girgenti and set up home in a villa, located between the "Temple of Concordia" and the "Temple of Heracles". He named it "Villa Aurea". Hardcastle had a passion for the monuments and thanks to his initiative, eight columns of the Temple of Heracles were re-erected and many ancient monuments were discovered. Today his villa houses some offices of the Park Authority.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. The so-called "Temple of Concordia" is one of the best preserved temples of Greek antiquity. The temple was built about 440 to 430 BC. Built on a pedestal. The temple was converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century and thus survived the destruction of pagan places of worship. The church was also used after the abandonment of the city until the 17th century. In 1748 the building was profaned and then largely returned to their original state. All around the temple is an early Christian necropolis.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Valle dei Templi", located on a ridge, just south of Agrigento, is where the Greek had founded the polis "Akragas" in 532 BC. It developed into one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily. This importance is still visible in a number of monumental temples, built in the 5th century BC along the southern wall of the city. Over centuries most buildings decayed and were often used as a quarry. Excavation and restoration began mid of the 18th century when general interest in Greek antiquity arouse. So the ancient sites were attracting attention - and visitors. The so-called "Temple of Concordia" is one of the best preserved temples of Greek antiquity. The temple was built about 440 to 430 BC. Built on a pedestal. The temple was converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century and thus survived the destruction of pagan places of worship. The church was also used after the abandonment of the city until the 17th century. In 1748 the building was profaned and then largely returned to their original state. All around the temple is an early Christian necropolis.