Monte Adranone

Monte Adranone is a mountain rising 900 metres above sea level in the north of the comune of Sambuca di Sicilia [1]. At the summit of the mountain are the remains of an ancient city, possibly Adranon [1]. The ancient city was settled at the beginning of the 5th century BC and was undoubtedly a Selinunte colony with a decisive pre-eminence of the Punic component from the beginning of the 4th century [1]. The imposing ruins indicate the strategic importance of the site which dominated the road that connected Selinunte with Akragas [1]. It may have been the cornerstone of the defense system built by the Carthaginians [1]. It was destroyed during the 3rd century BC according to archaeological excavations [1]. Regular excavations started in 1968 since when annual systematic campaigns have brought to light the necropolis, the mighty walls and vast sectors of the city and suburban area [1].