Archaeologists have uncovered ancient altars and statue fragments indicating religious activity and a possible sudden abandonment at the ancient Greek city of Finziade (Greek: Φιντιάς) in Sicily, following the conclusion of the fifth excavation season of the Finziade Project at Monte Sant’Angelo in Licata.
The latest campaign focused on an area known as “House 9,” where researchers discovered four stone altars and fragments of a monumental terracotta statue. The findings suggest the building may have served a cultic or religious function during the city’s final years.
Researchers believe the discoveries also shed light on the fate of Finziade, the last Greek-founded city in Sicily. Evidence from the site points to an abrupt abandonment during the second half of the first century B.C. That sudden departure appears to have preserved parts of the settlement largely intact, creating a rare archaeological snapshot of life at the time.
Founded in 282 B.C. by Phintias, ruler of Akragas, Finziade occupied a strategic position along Sicily’s southern coast. The city emerged during a period of political change in the Mediterranean and remained active as Roman influence expanded across the island.
Discoveries inside House 9 reveal cult activity
Excavations at House 9 uncovered four stone altars and fragments of a monumental terracotta statue, providing some of the strongest evidence yet for ritual activity at the site.
Researchers say the discoveries indicate the building may have served a religious purpose during the city’s final phase. The artifacts also offer valuable clues about the social and spiritual life of Finziade’s residents before the settlement was abandoned.
Ancient city offers glimpse into daily life
Excavations at Monte Sant’Angelo began in 2024 and have revealed an exceptionally well-preserved Hellenistic-Roman urban landscape. Archaeologists have uncovered streets, workshops, and residential buildings that offer insight into daily life more than 2,000 years ago.
The discoveries are helping researchers reconstruct how residents organized commercial activities, managed urban spaces, and adapted to changing political conditions during the transition from Greek to Roman rule.
Ongoing analysis of structures and artifacts recovered from the site is expected to provide additional information about the city’s development and its connections to other communities across the ancient Mediterranean.
New excavations expand visitor access
The latest findings have doubled the area accessible to visitors, significantly expanding the archaeological park.
Officials plan to open the newly excavated sections to the public, giving visitors access to areas that remained hidden underground until recent excavations.
The project has also supported the restoration of the 17th-century Castel Sant’Angelo, which overlooks the ancient settlement. The renovated castle now serves as a cultural and educational center.
The building houses the Museum of Rural Civilization and a permanent educational laboratory managed by the excavation team, providing new opportunities for public outreach and learning.
The local community plays a key role
The project is a collaboration between the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples and the National Research Council’s Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC) in Catania.
Scientific direction is led by archaeologists Alessio Toscano Raffa and Maria Concetta Parello, while architect Rosario Callea oversees technical operations. Young researchers and students also took part in the fieldwork under the coordination of Dr. Mariano Morganti and Dr. Donata Giglio.
Local organizations contributed throughout the excavation season. Members of the Gruppo di Ricerca Archeologica Licatese assisted with logistics and visitor services, while volunteers from the Associazione Archeologica Licatese cleaned and processed ceramic finds recovered from the site.
Businesses and volunteers support the project
The excavation also received strong backing from the wider community. Municipal officials provided meals for the 30 researchers working at the site, helping support daily field operations.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs contributed sponsorships and other resources that helped ensure the success of the campaign.
Researchers said the partnership between scientific institutions, volunteers, public authorities, and local businesses has transformed the Finziade Project into a leading example of public archaeology in Sicily, linking archaeological research with education, tourism, and community engagement.
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