I left early on my way to Cefalu on the north coast of Sicily. I  decided to take the SP115 to Castelvetrano and then the autostrada to Calatafimi-Segesta so that I could visit Segesta. If I had time I would then go to Erice. Segesta is one of the most interesting archeological sites in Sicily. It is located on the slopes of Monte Barbaro at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level. According to Virgil, it was co-founded in the 12th century BC by the Elymian king, Acestes, whose mother was the nymph Egesta, and by Aeneas’ people who wanted to stay behind. Segesta, was the major center of the Elymian people and, unlike Erice (also founded by the Elimi), it became quickly Hellenised (perhaps because of its dual origin). Segesta was in continual conflict with Selinunte (580-576 BC, and 454 BC).

 

In 415 BC, Segesta asked Athens for help against Selinunte, leading to the disastrous Athenian expedition to Sicily. They later allied themselves with Carthage leading to the destruction of Selinunte. In 276 BC, Segesta was allied with the Carthaginians but changed allegiance in 260 BC by surrendering to the Romans. The Romans did not punish Segesta because it considered them, like the Romans, to be descendants of Troy. Segesta gradually declined as the people moved to the coast where there were more trading opportunities. It was finally destroyed by the Vandals.