Surprising findings emerge after just two days of excavations at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Find out more about the IX archaeological campaign.
The Valley of the Temples is an invaluable site
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an archaeological site of inestimable value, continues to surprise us with new discoveries. Only two days of excavations in a still little explored area allowed the first finds to be brought to light, offering further proof of the historical importance of this place. The work continues with the aim of discovering further archaeological evidence that can enrich our understanding of Sicilian history.
The Recent Discovery at the Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples, symbol of the city of Agrigento and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is a tourist destination of great international importance. This site is not only fascinating for its imposing Doric temples, which are among the most important testimonies of the Hellenic period in Sicily, but also for the nearby neighborhoods that hosted the inhabitants of ancient Akragas, the original nucleus of Agrigento.
With this in mind, the 9th archaeological excavation campaign began on 10 June 2024 in the Hellenistic-Roman neighbourhood, still closed to the public to preserve the finds.
Directed by Maria Serena Rizzo and Giuseppe Lepore of the University of Bologna, this operation offers archeology students an invaluable educational opportunity, allowing them to closely observe excavation techniques and participate in significant discoveries in a well-preserved living context.
The most surprising discovery is that, after just two days of work, painted plaster, mosaics and molded stucco emerged. According to initial analyses, these finds date back to the end of the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD. These findings are crucial for deepening our knowledge of the living conditions of the ancient inhabitants of Akragas and, one day, they will be exhibited to visitors in their original context.
The Last Works in the Valley of the Temples
In recent months, the Valley of the Temples has been the scene of numerous interventions. One of the most significant concerns the reconstruction of the Telamon, one of the gigantic anthropomorphic statues that supported the architrave of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Thanks to a 12 meter high steel structure, the colossus was rebuilt with its original pieces, reaching a height of almost 8 metres.
At the same time, the excavations continue. The IX campaign, which began in 2016 thanks to an agreement between the Valley of the Temples and the Ravenna Campus of the University of Bologna, explored several homes in the third block and, since last year, has extended to the fourth block, where the excavations in the previously identified thermal complex.
This operation, of great scientific importance, also represents an important training opportunity for many students who participate with enthusiasm. They can explore an ancient living context, directly observing conservation and excavation techniques.
The excavations are led by Maria Serena Rizzo of Parco Valle dei Templi and Giuseppe Lepore of the University of Bologna, with the aim of further enriching our understanding of the history and culture of Agrigento.
