Hippana

History

Archaeological evidence suggests that an indigenous settlement was present at Montagna dei Cavalli from the 9th century BC. The settlement was certainly flourishing between the 7th and 6th centuries BC and was probably inhabited by Sicans attracted by the favourable setting, with clear defensive capabilities, conditions suitable for agriculture and pastoralism, and several sources of water. The first village probably developed on the highest part of the mountain and along its flanks. The few archaeological discoveries from this phase are a scatter of local ceramics, found in most parts of the settlement. The Sican communities reacted to the foundation of the Greek colonies on the coast (Himera, Selinus, and Acragas) by consolidating ever more in the interior. Cultural and economic links between the various communities developed, which very likely allowed the settlement to flourish in the first decades of the 5th century BC. Such relationships are attested at Montagna dei Cavalli by the discovery of vases imported from the Greek colonies, datable to the first half of the 6th century BC. Alongside the Greek products, indigenous ceramics also circulated, characterised by painted or incised geometric decoration.

From the beginning of the 5th century BC it is difficult to reconstruct the fate of the settlement, but it seems that after a period of relative prosperity, the old indigenous city sunk into a serious crisis, probably culminating in its abandonment. …