Temple “C,” or the Temple of Apollo, at the ancient Greek colony of Selinunte was built between 560 and 540 B.C. The majestic and massive temple faces the sea off of the southern coast of Sicily. The tympanum, or triangular facade, of the temple once sported a large portrait of the Gorgon Medusa (remains of which can be seen in the archaeological museum in Palermo). Its association with Apollo (god of healing and medicine) and Medusa (equivalent to the “evil eye”) meant that Temple C was charged with protecting Selinunte from evil spirits.
