Castro, Apulia

Castro, in the province of Lecce, Apulia, is the ancient Castrum Minervae mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid as the first Italian landfall of Aeneas after fleeing Troy. The settlement dates to the Iron Age (8th century BC) and was occupied by Messapians and later Greeks. University of Salento excavations directed by Francesco D'Andria from 2000 onward uncovered a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Iliaca, including a 12-cm bronze statue of the goddess wearing a Phrygian helmet (4th century BC), decorative stone slabs with winged Victories, and votive weapons. Hellenistic-era Messapian walls from the 4th century BC were also discovered. The sanctuary functioned until the 3rd century BC, when it was violently destroyed, possibly during Hannibal's campaigns in 214 BC. Finds are displayed at the Antonio Lazzari Archaeological Museum in Castro Castle.