Naxos (Sicily)

Naxos (Greek Νάξος ) was the first Greek colony in Sicily.

Location

The ancient city extends on the Schiso Peninsula. The area is bounded by the river Venera and the bay. The peninsula forms a natural harbor for ships that are dragged by the currents of Calabria. Today is the same place the place Giardini Naxos near Taormina, Province of Messina.

History

Náxos was 735 BC - probably founded in 734 BC by residents of the city of Chalcis, under the leadership of Theocles; the name of the colony, however, also points to the Cycladic island of Naxos. Thucydides reports the construction of an altar which was consecrated to Apollo Archegetes. The altar has not been found to this day.

The city established itself again new colonies, 730 BC Catana and Leontinoi, probably 728 BC Zankle (Messina). Later, she was subjected to by Hippocrates of Gela and was reflected in 415 BC on the side of Athens. After the destruction of the city in 403 BC by Dionysius I of Syracuse 358 BC it came to a settlement of the surviving inhabitants in Tauromenion.

The excavations

The excavations are separated by a wall built in the 19th century from the sea. Thus you lose the view of the old town and the seaside location. The old town also shows a regular structure. In the excavation site located house foundations, which are identical to the houses of Megara Hyblaea. The 5 m wide main roads are all 39 meters of roads crossed in rake angle. At the intersections are bases, but the purpose of which is unknown. In the 6th century BC, a city wall was built, of which remains are still preserved today.

The Museum

The small museum displays finds from Náxos. There are exhibited, among other fragments of vases and decor. At the exhibits you can see the strong connection to Euboea.