Acragas, Ancient Greek polis in Agrigento, Italy
Acragas is an ancient Greek city built on a plateau between the Drago and San Biagio rivers in Sicily, featuring seven Doric temples and other structures across different elevation levels. The ruins spread across a large site with walls, gates, and sanctuaries that were once visible from the sea.
Colonists from Gela founded the city around 581 BCE and developed it into a major Mediterranean power through military campaigns. The city's wealth allowed for ambitious building projects that expanded and improved it over generations.
The city was home to the philosopher Empedocles and known for its successful athletes in Olympic equestrian competitions. Visitors can still see today how the ancient wealth and athletic traditions shaped the place.
The archaeological site spreads across multiple elevation levels requiring time to explore the various temples and structures. Sturdy shoes are practical since you navigate uneven terrain and steps between the different heights.
The Temple of Zeus was one of the largest Doric structures of antiquity and built with labor from people brought to the city after military conflict. This extraordinary structure shows how the city expressed its power and wealth through monumental architecture.
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