Valley of the Temples
Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Sun 16 May 2010 17:03
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Agrigento area inhabited since prehistoric times is
along the southwest coast of Sicily. The cruel tyrant Phalaris, the
city of Akragas grew more powerful and extended its territory to the detriment
of the Sicans. His successor tyrant Theron (488-472 BC) brought the city
to its heights. He defeted the Carthagians and further extended the
terrtory. After that victory they began large construction projects
including temples. Empedocles, a physician, thaumaturge, philosopher and
orator stated "The Agrigentines enjoy the pleasures and luxuries of this world
as if they were to die the next day, but make their buildings as if they were to
live forever".
But in 406 BC Agriento was beseiged and burnt by
the Carthagians general Himilco. In 340 BC Timoleon defeated the
Carthagians and the city again rebounded.
 Temple of Hera Lacinia. Hera was the daughter
of Kronos and Rhea, sister and wife of Zeus and the mother of all Olympian
gods.
 Temple of Concord. This Doric style temple
remains in good condition since it was almost in continual use. In 597 AD
it was transformed into a Christian basilica by the Agrigentine Bishop
Gregory.
The entire valley has many more temples, gardens,
museums than shown here. It is a hot dusty place to tour and requires a
entended walking to cover all the grounds. We chose not to take that much
time, how many old stone ruins without roofs can you visit? One annoying
point was it cost to do anything. Parking was a charge, toilets had a
charge, of course entrance fees, the gardens another charge and then if you want
a guided tour that was a further fee. However, still a destination point
in Sicily.
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