Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an early Christian place of worship in the ancient Greek and later Roman city of Agrigento (Greek: Ἀκράγας / Akragas), Italy, along with richly decorated mosaics, wall paintings, and evidence of centuries of religious activity.
The discoveries were made during the 11th excavation season at the Hellenistic-Roman Quarter inside the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park. Researchers uncovered the remains in the previously unexplored Block IV, where a burial became the focus of Christian rituals and devotional offerings.
The findings provide new insight into how the neighborhood changed from a Roman residential district into an important Christian religious center during the late Roman and medieval periods.
The excavation campaign will conclude on July 5. It is being carried out through a partnership between the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valle dei Templi and the Ravenna Campus of the University of Bologna.
Early Christian site emerges beneath ancient neighborhood
The excavation is directed by Professor Giuseppe Lepore of the University of Bologna and Dr. Maria Serena Rizzo of the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valle dei Templi.
Researchers said the discoveries are helping reconstruct the long history of ancient Agrigento. The newly uncovered place of worship, together with ritual deposits surrounding the burial, represents one of the most important Christian archaeological discoveries made at the site in recent years.
The evidence also highlights how the city continued to evolve long after its Greek and Roman periods.
Scientific research goes beyond excavation
The project extends beyond excavation. Specialists are examining artifacts, human and animal bones, and plant remains to better understand the ancient landscape, religious practices, and daily life of the people who lived in the city.
Together, the evidence is helping researchers build a more complete picture of Agrigento’s development over several centuries.
Conservation work is also taking place alongside the excavation. Restorer Marilanda Rizzo Pinna is leading efforts to preserve the newly uncovered structures and artifacts for the archaeological park.
Students gain hands-on archaeological training
The excavation also serves as a field school for university and postgraduate students. In addition to working in Agrigento, students will conduct research at the nearby archaeological site of Heraclea Minoa under the guidance of Dr. Michael Benfatti of the University of Bologna.
Long-term project expands understanding of the ancient city
Excavations in Block IV began in 2013 under the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valle dei Templi. Since 2023, the work has continued through a partnership with the University of Bologna.
Researchers say the investigations have revealed continuous occupation extending into the Middle Ages, providing fresh evidence of how the ancient Greek and Roman city adapted to changing religious and social traditions.
Park Director Roberto Sciarratta said the discoveries reflect the park’s continued investment in archaeological research and heritage preservation.
Alongside partnerships with universities, the park has created a new entrance and developed visitor routes through this previously unexplored section of the ancient city, allowing visitors to experience the latest discoveries while expanding public access to one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites.
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