Leontinoi. Questioni topografiche e prospettive di ricerca

Abstract

The urban settlement of ancient Leontinoi covers about sixty hectares outside of the inhabited areas of Lentini and Carlentini and lies within the archaeological park, which facilitates archaeological research. The northern suburb, known thanks to both fortuitous discoveries and systematic excavations, included necropolises, extramural sanctuaries sanctuaries, and parts of peripheral settlements dedicated to craft and commercial activities, which were presumably related to the river port. Excavations of the last century revealed both the barrier wall of the valley near the South Gate and the stretch of fortification wall that runs along the southeastern and southern slopes of Colle San Mauro. A village of the 11th-9th centuries BC sat on Colle Metapiccola and along its western slopes, upon whose ruins buildings of the Greek city were erected. On Colle Ciricò, east of Colle San Mauro, the presence of a necropolis with indigenous tombs containing materials reflecting Greek influence suggested the presence of a Siculan settlement coeval with Greek colonization, which, however, could not be located. This necropolis should probably be considered in relation to the settlement on Colle San Mauro which may have been inhabited by Greeks and Siculans. The probable site of the agora has been identified in the bottom of the valley. A depiction of the city dating from 1584 shows the medieval quarter between the Castello Vecchio and the more level terrain where modern Lentini developed. Two areas of Colle San Mauro are recognizable where recent excavations have brought to light medieval remains related to the Castello Nuovo and those of a Greek temple upon which are the remains of small apsidal building, presumably a church, perhaps that seen shown on the image of 1584 with the name of Sant’ Andrea. As for the location of Leontinoi’s main sacred buildings, a passage of Polybius (VII, 6.1-6) characterizes the topography of the city as one of temples built atop the hills, a description which accords well with the archaeological data.

KEYWORDS: Leontinoi, Ancient Greek Sicily, Colle Metapiccola.