Daily Updates
Week Six: 23 October
23 October. Dave Stanek Reporting:
In Selinunte, we all found our favorite location thus far. Leaving the beachside town was difficult, but we were promised a day that would possibly end with a trip to the hot springs of Segesta. Our band of weary archaeologists boarded the bus and drove to the island of Motya. Vestiges of a Phoenician outpost were discovered on Motya. Eighth century traders from distant Phoenician settlements first used this island as a stepping stone to the rest of the Western Mediterranean. Under the leadership of Dionysius I, the army of Syracuse finally conquered the area in 397 B.C., but the siege was not an easy task. Mighty stone blocks still stand around the perimeter of the island as testaments to the extensive fortifications of the ancient outpost. After trekking around Motya, we departed for Segesta. Remnants of an unfinished temple and amphitheater remain at the northern Sicilian town. Gaining the support of the Carthaginian army, Segesta succeeded in bringing about the destruction of its bitter enemy, Selinus, in 409 B.C. Obedience to Carthage was the price of this victory, which led to the diversion of all revenue away from construction of the temple. The refinements usually observed on finished temples, such as column fluting or the removal of lifting bosses, are not present in this one: it is clear that such improvements took place only at the end of construction. Making our way up to the amphitheater was a Herculean feat for some, but others seemed eager to hike up the mountain on which it was built. We tested the acoustics of the structure by serenading other tourists with our favorite songs or, in DanŐs case, Bill PullmanŐs speech at the end of Independence Day. After learning that we would not have time to visit the much hyped hot springs of Segesta, we reluctantly left the town and embarked on a two hour bus ride to Palermo.
On the boat to Motya, looking back at the windmills and salt marshes.
On the boat: Clare.
On the boat: Johnny, Briar, Brian.
On the boat: Thea.
Professor Ulrich, accompanied by a small dog, lead the group around the tiny island of Motya.
The flowers were in full bloom: we are not in Hanover anymore...
The Temple at Segesta.
Inside the Temple at Segesta.
Professor Ulrich lectures on the history of Segesta.
Julie and James enjoy a quiet moment among the columns.
The theater at Segesta.