The myth of the thermal waters of Termini Imerese

Annibale Carracci - CC1.0

Termini Imerese has been known since ancient times for its thermal waters and according to the myth Hercules was the first to enjoy the benefits of its waters.
In ancient times, the thermal waters of Termini Imerese were so well known and appreciated to the point that, according to the myth, it was believed that these baths had flown at the behest of the nymphs who tried to please the goddess Athena and Hercules. In fact, it is said that Hercules himself, to recover after his efforts, was the first to immerse himself in their waters.
The historian Diodorus Siculus of Agira informs us of this mythological event in the work Historical library em>, in which he tells of the goddess Athena, protector of Himera, who with the support of the nymphs caused hot baths to flow so that the mythical hero would be reinvigorated by his labors.
According to tradition, the presence of Hercules in the Imerese territory took place on the occasion of his return journey from one of the so-called labours, probably the tenth, when he took possession of the herd of the three-headed giant Geryon, considered the strongest man among living beings .