Live archaeology: citizens and scholars together at the excavation sites

Great success within the archaeological park of Selinunte for the Open Day dedicated to the excavations of the North Gate, at the site of the last excavation campaign on the fortified wall. The park opened to the public spaces that usually belong to the long and meticulous moments of investigation, study, and interpretation.

On the hill of Galera-Bagliazzo, in front of the Northern fortified wall gate that has been uncovered, Selinunte once again showed that it is a city that continues to reveal itself. The Open Day was an opportunity for conscious enjoyment, where the heritage was narrated precisely during the research.

Through the work of the archaeologists, the dialogue with the public, and the possibility of staying within the research process, Selinunte reaffirmed one of its deepest vocations: to be a place of shared knowledge. For visitors, partly enthusiasts, watching an excavation up close was like changing perspective.

A threshold, a defense, a strategic passage of the polis that becomes readable again and adds new elements to the understanding of the ancient city and its events, even in relation to the siege of 409 BC.

The campaign, promoted by the Park with the scientific direction of Professor Carlo Zoppi, the coordination of ArcheOfficina led by Marco Correra, and the involvement of students from the University of Palermo, continues to provide new insights into this sector of the city. The excavations, which began last February, are uncovering further sections of the defensive walls, already identified a year ago. The structures still show signs of the Cartaginian siege when, according to the account of Diodorus Siculus, the city fell after nine days, with thousands of casualties. The preliminary results confirm the strategic role of the area and offer new elements to reconstruct the military and urban dynamics of Selinunte.