The birth of Akragas

Reinforcement of natural ramparts

In the 3rd century BC, the historian Polybius described Akragas as an ingeniously fortified city.
In order to defend themselves against possible enemy attacks, the Agrigentine people had built a mighty wall 12 km long, which made the most of irregularities in the terrain.
Construction of the first walls dates back to the end of the 6th century BC, when the city was fortified on each side of the plateau where it stood, though traces of additions, modifications and renovations were found in later centuries.
The original project envisaged perfectly square stone blocks arranged using the isodomic technique.
Access to the city was granted through Porta Scea gates , including the Porta V , on the southern stretch of the walls, which is the best preserved.
The gates were placed at different heights and depths, but always corresponding to small valleys or slight depressions so as to follow the original lay of the land and take full advantage of an arrangement that may have proved to be a natural protection in itself.
On the east side were Porte I, II, and III; to the south, Porte IV and V; to the west, Porte VI and VII; and Porte VIII and IX on the north-west side.
Some hypotheses also place a Porta X to the north, but there are no traces to confirm this.

The Temple of Demeter

The most beautiful city of mortals

The Kolymbetra Garden

The sanctuary of the chthonic deities

The Temple of Concordia

The Temple of Heracles

Empedocles, the political philosopher

The Eleusinian mysteries

A monument for the victory over Carthage: the Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Hera Lacinia

Vegetation in the Gardens

The Sanctuary of Asclepius: a place of welcome for the sick

From pagan cults to Christian worship: the Church of St. Gregory

Sacrifices for the goddesses that made the fields fertile

The lively decorations of the temple

Theron, tyrant of the arts and victories

The Temple of Asclepius

The cult of Demeter and Persephone

Akragas in the beginning

The walls of Akragas in the fifth century BC

Phalaris, the terrible tyrant

Reinforcement of natural ramparts

The Akragas building sites

The Twelve Labours of Heracles