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Selinunte

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description Selinunte Overview

Selinunte is an ancient Greek archaeological site on the southwestern coast of Sicily, founded by colonists from Megara Hyblaea around 628 BC. The site contains the ruins of several massive Doric temples, many of which remained unfinished when the city was sacked by Carthaginian forces in 409 BC. The archaeological park encompasses multiple temple complexes, an acropolis, and sanctuaries, making it one of the largest Greek sites in the Mediterranean.

help Selinunte FAQ

Who founded Selinunte?

Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea founded Selinunte around 628 BC. The colony became one of the important Greek settlements in western Sicily.

Where is the archaeological site of Selinunte?

It lies on Sicily's southwestern coast near modern Castelvetrano, within the Archaeological Park of Selinunte. Its coastal position helped the Greek colony connect with western Sicilian trade routes.

Which temples can visitors see at Selinunte?

The site includes the Eastern Hill's large Doric temples and the temples on the Acropolis. Temple E is one of the most recognizable restored structures, while other buildings remain fragmentary.

What happened to Selinunte in 409 BC?

Carthaginian forces sacked the city in 409 BC, after which Selinunte declined and was eventually abandoned. The ruins preserve that break in the city's history through unfinished and damaged temple remains.

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