Tag: archaeology
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Hail Demeter, Hail Kore
Demeter and Kore-Persephone were fervently venerated in Sicily in ancient times. This exhibit from the Regional Archaeological Museum at Aidone features two acroliths (That is, sculptures that have been constructed of stone, such as marble, and other materials, such as, in this case, iron, and draped with fabric) most likely depicting the mother goddess and…
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Ancient Ballerina
Dancing women figurines from the 3rd century, BC; from Siracusa’s Museo Archeologico regionale “Paolo Orsi.”
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Temple of Hera, Goddess of Marriage
The Temple of Hera (which in the Roman era was known as the Temple of Juno) is a 5th century BC temple dedicated to the Greek goddess of marriage, childbirth, and families. One of the many magnificent ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Valley of the Temples, the Temple of Hera possesses an altar…
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“Pip” Whitaker
On the island of Mozia, off of Marsala, is the G. Whitaker Museum, named for Giuseppe, or Joseph Whitaker (1850-1936), who was affectionately known as “Pip.” Pip was the son of Joseph Whitaker, Senior, an entrepreneur from West Yorkshire, England. The Whitakers, like their industrious counterparts the Woodhouses, Hopps, Inghams, and Pynes, came to Sicily…
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Illuminating
On this, the longest night of the year, I think about something beautiful…. In Agrigento, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Valley of the Temples is magnificent to see. The individual temples, like this one, the 5th century BC Temple to Castor and Pollux, are illuminated at night for a breathtaking effect.
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Here Lies History
In 1955, archaeologists identified Morgantina, an ancient Greek settlement outside of the town of Aidone in Central Sicily. Morgantina was founded in 850 BC and was abandoned in the 2nd century BC after the Romans destroyed it. It is still being excavated today. The findings of the archaeologists may be seen in the outstanding museum…
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A Powerful Impression
At the Temple of Heracles in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, you’ll find eight reconstructed Doric-style columns from the massive 6th century BC structure. Like the Greek god for which it’s named, the sacred edifice leaves a powerful impression.
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Night Vision
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples’ Tempio della Concordia at night.
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An Offering to the Goddess
This terracotta figure from Siracusa’s archaeological museum is one of hundreds of examples of statuettes found around the island of Ortigia that is attributed to the cult of Demeter and Kore (Persephone). I find this divine figure especially interesting because more recent images of Santa Lucia, the patron saint of Siracusa who is celebrated in…