Archaeological Treasure in Selinunte: a Lion's Head tells the Story of an Ancient Temple

In the ongoing search for traces of ancient Selinunte (Trapani), a city rich in history and charm, archaeologists have unearthed an unexpected treasure: a lion's head carved from precious marble. This extraordinary archaeological find emerged from the depths of time thanks to the tireless work of archaeologist Jon Albers of Bochum University.

Dating back to ancient times, this precious relic offers a fascinating glimpse into the glorious past of the art and culture of this ancient city. The sima in question, about 62 centimeters high and weighing more than 250 kilos, represents a find of extraordinary historical value. What makes it even more fascinating is its almost intact state of preservation, despite the millennia that have passed since it was carved.

A first hypothesis indicates that the sima, on which specialists who came from Paros worked, was intended for a temple we do not yet know about. Another hypothesis "with a 50 percent probability" indicates a belonging of the sima to Temple E! The sima played a double and significant role within the temple. On the one hand, it performed an aesthetic function of architectural decoration, enriching the structure with its majestic presence. On the other, it assumed a practical function of collecting rainwater, thanks to lion's head-shaped spouts that adorned its surface. This combination of aesthetic and practical aspects testifies to the incredible craftsmanship of the people of Selinunte.

The rarity of similar finds and their limited distribution in southern Italy and Sicily give this sima a status as a priceless treasure. The discovery of this object in the port area, near the furnaces of the ancient city, opens new perspectives on the daily life and skills of Selinunte's residents. This find offers a valuable glimpse into the cultural priorities, the importance of water and the ingenuity of the inhabitants of that era.