The spaces of private life

The Hellenistic-Roman quarter

In the area west of the forum and public buildings, the remains of three blocks of a district of Agrigentum were found – most of them in the second half of the 20th century – probably following the Hippodamian Plan of the classical age.
Excavations revealed a clear plan set on four axes: the cardines, about 5 metres wide, and three decumani, the main streets with a width of 7 metres. The network of streets created three blocks 295 metres long and 35 metres wide, which housed 27 domus divided by narrow cavities called ambitus .
Retaggi ellenistici per le strade di AgrigentumThe houses date back to the 2nd-1st century BC but show important structural changes around the 2nd-3rd century AD, when in the middle of the imperial age they were remodelled with various extensions (it is not uncommon to find homes created by merging old adjoining houses) and, above all, were enriched with mosaic floors and wall paintings depicting geometric, plant or zoomorphic motifs. Private houses were the main ways the ancient Romans flaunted their wealth and luxury, so it was common use to adorn them in the best possible way.
The domestic environments of the houses were usually arranged around an atrium courtyard sometimes adorned with a peristyle, a portico of columns with a smooth or fluted shaft, inside which it was not uncommon to find fountains or gardens full of vegetation.Il quartiere ellenistico-romano
In several buildings, spaces dedicated to production and trade have also been brought to light, while in one case part of a thermal bath system has been found.

The forum in the city of the Akragantines

The cult of the Emperor

Mens sana in corpore sano: the gymnasium of Agrigento

From Akragas to Agrigentum

An exceptional discovery: the thermal baths of Agrigentum

The tomb of Theron

The sarcophagus of the Child

The Roman necropolis

Politics comparison: Akragas and Agrigentum

The Living Almond Museum

The Romans settle in Agrigentum

The Hellenistic-Roman quarter

The provincial layout of Sicily

The domus, guardians of private life

A Sanctuary for the Latin gods

The ancient port of Agrigentum

The wellness centres of the Romans

The gods of Agrigento

The life of young people in Roman times

The Oratory of Phalaris

Cicero’s account: Agrigentum in In Verrem

Breathing in world heritage together

The centre of politics in Agrigentum

The driver of Agrigentum’s well-being

Roman affairs

Hellenistic heritage on the streets of Agrigentum

The theatre of origins

Vegetation in the Gardens

Works for the muses: the mosaics of the Hellenistic-Roman quarter

Moments of leisure: the theatre

The Punic Wars and the final conquest of Akragas

The Kolymbetra Garden