Gela acropolis

The Gela acropolis, known locally as Acropoli di Gela, is a captivating archaeological site located in the heart of Gela, Italy. This ancient acropolis is a treasure trove of history, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich and tumultuous past of this Sicilian city. From its prehistoric origins to its role in the Greek colonization and beyond, the Gela acropolis is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The Prehistoric Beginnings

The history of the Gela acropolis dates back to the Copper Age, with evidence of human activity in the area as early as the second half of the 4th millennium BC. Archaeologists have uncovered circular pit tombs surrounded by vertical stone slabs west of Temple B, an archaic temple. These early inhabitants laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving settlement in the millennia to come.

During the Early Bronze Age (2200-1450 BC), a village with hut-like structures emerged on the northern slope of the acropolis. One fascinating find from this period is a vase adorned with seven clay horns. However, it seems that the acropolis remained uninhabited until the arrival of Greek colonists in the 8th century BC.

The Greek Colonization

The foundation of the Greek colony of Gela is traditionally dated to 688 BC, as recorded by the historian Thucydides. The colony was established by settlers from Rhodes and Crete, led by Antiphemus and Entimus. However, there is evidence of a stable presence in the area as early as the 8th century BC, suggesting that Rhodian settlers from Lindos may have arrived earlier, naming their settlement Lindioi.

Initially, the early constructions were made of mud bricks and wood, leaving little trace for modern archaeologists. However, by the 7th century BC, more substantial buildings began to appear. Sacred buildings, such as Edifice I and II, were constructed using stones and river pebbles. Temple A, a small temple with an entrance porch, emerged beneath the foundations of the later Temple B.

The Architectural Renaissance

The 6th century BC marked a period of significant development for the Gela acropolis. A northern defensive wall was constructed, and the urban layout was organized with a regular grid plan. A major east-west road, known as the plateia, was established, along with narrower streets called stenopoi. New sacred buildings, such as Edifice VII and VIII, were erected, and Temple B, dedicated to Athena Lindia, was constructed with six columns on the front and twelve on the long sides.

Under the tyrannies of Cleander, Hippocrates, and Gelon, the urban plan of the acropolis took its final form. Blocks measuring 30.50 meters were separated by 4-meter-wide stenopoi. This layout remained largely unchanged until the 4th century BC. The 5th century BC saw the construction of buildings using sandstone blocks in the northern sector of the acropolis. Edifice VI, known for its antefixes displayed in the museum, was also built during this time.

In the southern sector, east of the archaic temple (measuring 21x12 meters), a Doric temple dedicated to Athena was erected to commemorate the Greek victory over the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC. Although much of this temple has been lost, traces of the foundation and a single column remain. Additionally, a temple possibly dedicated to Zeus Atabyrios was built in the western part of the acropolis.

The Carthaginian Destruction and Revival

The acropolis of Gela faced significant destruction at the hands of the Carthaginians in 405 BC. However, new rectangular buildings, such as Edifice XII and XIII, were constructed in the aftermath. Edifice XII served as a temple dedicated to Demeter. In the second half of the 4th century BC, the city experienced a revival under Timoleon. The acropolis underwent further transformation, with some streets being eliminated and the extension of stenopos III over the foundation of Temple B. Buildings were arranged less regularly and were used for artisanal purposes, such as Edifice XIV.

Following the conquest by Agathocles in 311-310 BC, the site was abandoned, and the final abandonment of the area occurred in 282 BC after the city's destruction by the tyrant of Agrigento, Phintias.

Exploring the Gela Acropolis Today

Today, the Gela acropolis is a fenced area adjacent to the Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela, making it easily accessible to visitors. To the south of the acropolis, in an area known as Bosco Littorio, the remains of an emporium have been discovered near the mouth of the Gela River. This location likely served as the city's port, where one of the Greek ships found in the nearby waters would have docked, carrying amphorae and valuable cargo.

Outside the city walls, necropolises extended to the east of the river and west of the acropolis. These burial grounds, excavated by Paolo Orsi, featured various types of tombs. In addition to the sanctuaries on the acropolis, sacred complexes dating back to the 7th century BC have been identified along present-day Via Eschilo and Via Apollo. These sanctuaries, adorned with antefixes depicting Silenic masks, were in use until the 4th century BC. South of the town hall, on a terrace, stood another sanctuary dedicated to Hera, as evidenced by inscriptions bearing the deity's name.

Under the Dinomenid rulers, several sanctuaries dedicated to chthonic deities were established. One of these was the Thesmophorion, dedicated to Demeter, located in the Bitalemi district. Another sanctuary dedicated to chthonic deities was situated in the Carrubbazza area, with yet another near the former railway station. Excavations have also revealed a cult dedicated to the founder Antiphemus, with a heroon (hero shrine) built in his honor.

The Challenges and Preservation Efforts

Like many archaeological sites in Sicily, the Gela acropolis faces financial challenges that hinder maintenance efforts, such as clearing overgrowth. In 2017, the site's management launched a fundraising appeal to help preserve and maintain this invaluable historical treasure.

The Doric Column

Among the remarkable finds in the area is a Doric column, a remnant of a sacred temple (Temple C) dedicated to Athena Lindia, the city's protective deity. The temple, measuring approximately 51 x 22 meters, was commissioned by the tyrant Hieron I to commemorate the Sicilian Greeks' victory over the Carthaginians at Himera in 480 BC. The temple originally featured six columns on the short sides and fourteen on the long sides. The roof and pediment were adorned with Cycladic marble, as evidenced by fragments of marble acroteria found at the site.

The single surviving column stands as a testament to the temple's destruction in 405 BC during the Carthaginian sack of the city led by Himilco II. After the inhabitants fled, Himilco set fire to ancient Gela, demolishing the sacred buildings, including the Temple of Athena. In the medieval period, the remnants of the temple were repurposed for the construction of Heraclea. The column, a symbol of ancient Gela, finally collapsed in the 18th century. In 1884, it was officially recognized as part of the city's heritage, and in 1948, it was re-erected on a podium by Paolo Orsi.

The Gela acropolis is not just an archaeological site; it is a window into the past, offering a fascinating journey through the ages. Its ruins tell the story of a city that thrived, faced destruction, and experienced revival, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.