Archaeologists Uncover Walls and North Gate of Ancient Greek City Selinunte in Italy
Source: GreekReporter.com
Archaeologists have uncovered new sections of the ancient Greek city walls of Selinunte (Greek: Σελῑνοῦς), a historic Greek settlement in southwestern Sicily, Italy.
Among the key discoveries is a monumental north gate, believed to have played a vital role in the city’s defense and funeral rituals.
The gate stands nearly three meters (9.84 feet) and likely served as a passage for processions to nearby burial grounds. Its position made it the most vulnerable entry point into the city, lacking natural barriers such as rivers or coastlines.
According to the ancient historian Diodorus Siculus, Carthaginian forces attacked Selinunte from this direction, triggering a ten-day siege that killed 16,000 defenders.
The city once held tens of thousands
The findings were presented on Monday at Baglio Florio in Selinunte. Researchers confirmed that during the late 5th century B.C., the city was home to at least 26,000 people.
Its influence stretched from Mazara to Monte Adranone and Sciacca, with the broader region reaching a population of around 90,000.
Excavations also revealed at least 5,000 tombs across three necropolises. Experts noted that the sites have suffered from looting over centuries but still offer critical insight into the city’s past.
Traces of ancient workshops that were found near the walls point to a once-thriving local economy. These details suggest that Selinunte was a strategic stronghold of the ancient Greek world and a center of active daily life.
Earlier theories confirmed
The recent discoveries affirm earlier theories proposed by German archaeologist Dieter Mertens, who, in the 1990s, suggested that Selinunte had a more extensive system of defensive walls.
Mertens had observed anomalies in the area that hinted at buried structures. The new findings now confirm his hypothesis.
Felice Crescente, director of the Selinunte Archaeological Park, described the discoveries as a turning point in understanding the city’s layout and social life.
New Identity and tourism growth
Sicily’s Cultural Heritage Assessor, Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, praised the park’s progress. He noted that ongoing restoration efforts are being funded independently, with growing public interest helping to boost tourism.
@la.repubblica Torna alla luce la “muraglia” selinuntina. Sono stati scoperti i resti della poderosa cinta che circondava la polis greca prima della distruzione cartaginese del 409 avanti Cristo: un rinvenimento che riscrive la storia delle città del Mediterraneo e restituisce un nuovo tassello al parco archeologico più grande d’Europa. L’articolo di Isabella di Bartolo su Repubblica #selinunte #sicilia
As part of the announcement, officials also unveiled a new visual identity for the park. The updated branding incorporates the selinon leaf, an iconic symbol featured on ancient coins from the Archaic period.
Technology and plans
Looking ahead, the park plans to use advanced technology to explore the Greek city of Selinunte in Italy further. A 3D scanning method, more precise than traditional radar, will help researchers examine what lies beneath the surface.
The work is being led by young archaeologists from Archeofficina, under the scientific guidance of Carlo Zoppi, a longtime expert on Selinunte.
Plans are underway to transform the site into an open-air museum. A virtual reconstruction of the ancient walls, along with new signs and walking paths, will allow visitors to experience the vast historical landscape.
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