Sensational Discovery: Lion-Headed Sima Unearthed in Selinunte

A team of archaeologists from the University of Palermo has made a significant discovery in the ancient city of Selinunte, Sicily. The team has found a sima, or roof ornament, depicting a lion’s head. The sima was found in the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, one of the largest and most important temples in Selinunte.

The sima is made of limestone and is approximately 1.5 meters long and 0.5 meters wide. The lion’s head is well-preserved and features a fierce expression. The sima is likely to have been placed at the top of the Temple of Apollo, where it would have been visible to people approaching the temple.

The discovery of the sima has led archaeologists to believe that the Temple of Apollo may have been rebuilt at some point in its history. The sima is stylistically different from other architectural elements found at the temple, suggesting that it may have been added during a later phase of construction.

The discovery of the sima is a significant addition to our knowledge of Selinunte. It provides new insights into the city’s architectural history and suggests that the Temple of Apollo may have been even more important than previously thought.

What is a sima?

A sima is a roof ornament that was commonly used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Simas were typically made of terracotta or limestone and were often decorated with animal or vegetal motifs. Simas were placed at the top of temples, other public buildings, and even private houses. They served both an aesthetic and functional purpose, helping to protect the roof from the elements.

The Temple of Apollo in Selinunte

The Temple of Apollo was one of the largest and most important temples in Selinunte. It was located in the city’s acropolis, or high point, and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. The temple was built in the Doric style and was approximately 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. The temple was destroyed by the Carthaginians in the 5th century BC, but its ruins still stand today.

The Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of the sima with a lion’s head is significant for a number of reasons. First, it provides new insights into the architectural history of Selinunte. The sima is stylistically different from other architectural elements found at the Temple of Apollo, suggesting that it may have been added during a later phase of construction. This suggests that the Temple of Apollo may have been rebuilt at some point in its history.

Second, the discovery of the sima suggests that the Temple of Apollo may have been even more important than previously thought. The sima is decorated with a lion’s head, which was a symbol of power and strength in ancient Greece. This suggests that the temple may have been used for important religious or political ceremonies.

Finally, the discovery of the sima is a reminder of the rich history of Selinunte. Selinunte was a powerful and prosperous city in ancient times, and its ruins still stand today as a testament to its past glory.

Conclusion

The discovery of the sima with a lion’s head is a significant addition to our knowledge of Selinunte. It provides new insights into the city’s architectural history and suggests that the Temple of Apollo may have been even more important than previously thought. The discovery is a reminder of the rich history of Selinunte and the importance of archaeological research in preserving our cultural heritage.