Сегеста

Siggésta _), originally Egesta or Akesta (Ἐγεστα or Αἴγεστα) was an ancient city in northwestern Sicily, located between Drepana and Panorm. The ancient settlement is located at the confluence of two rivers - Scamandro and Simeonto. According to legend, the city was founded by Greeks, companions of Philoctetes, under the leadership of Akestes. Because of this, he was not considered Greek, but barbarian, and constantly waged wars with the neighboring ancient Greek colonies of the island, and in particular with Selinunte. Agathocles completely destroyed the city in 307 BC, partly slaughtering the inhabitants, partly taking them into slavery, settled Greek colonists in the city and called it Dikepolem. After the death of Agathocles, the city returned to its old name. As a result of the legend of the origin of the Romans from the Trojans, the inhabitants of Segesta welcomed the Roman authority very well after the end of the first Punic War.

On the hill of Segesta, the most remarkable is the ancient Doric temple, which today is a mandatory stop on any tourist route. It is one of the bright examples of Hellenic culture in these lands. The temple was built in the 5th century BC. and it is quite astonishing how it has managed to survive to such an extent after more than two and a half millennia. Compared to Segesta, the ancient remains in nearby Agrigento literally pale into insignificance. The temple has rows of 6 and 14 columns that rise on a 21x56 meter base and look as if they were just built. The platform of the temple at Segesta is about three steps high. 

 

The hill also houses the amphitheater of Segesta, which is slightly less popular than the Doric colonnade at the top. The amphitheater seating arrangement for spectators is built on the hill, 305 meters above sea level. Even today, this part of Segesta continues to be used for its intended purpose, namely it is used as a theater stage. Every summer, different theater productions are played here, in which modern actors perform classical Greek dramas and comedies. 

 

In the area of ​​ancient Segesta, you can also see some medieval remains of buildings, such as the ruins of a Norman fortress. 

 

From the top of the hill of Segesta there is a wonderful view of the valley and the bay of Castellamare. The location of the ancient city once helped its inhabitants to have control over several main roads between the coast to the north and the interior territories.