Segesta

Segesta was one of the major cities of the Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily [1]. Segesta is located in the northwestern part of Sicily in Italy, near the modern commune of Calatafimi-Segesta in the province of Trapani [1]. The hellenization of Segesta happened very early and had a profound effect on its people [1]. The first historical notice of the Segestans transmitted to us represents them as already engaged (as early as 580 BC) in hostilities with Selinus, which would appear to prove that both cities had already extended their territories so far as to come into contact with each other [1]. The ruins of the city are located on the top of Monte Bàrbaro at 305 m above sea level [1]. On a hill just outside the site of the ancient city of Segesta lies an unusually well-preserved Doric temple [1]. The temple has six by fourteen columns on a base measuring 21 by 56 metres, on a platform three steps high [1].