Archaeological site of Vassallaggi in San Cataldo
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The archaeological site of Vassallaggi in San Cataldo is a prehistoric site inhabited from the Bronze Age up to the first centuries of Christianity. The site is a notable example of a Greek settlement in central Sicily, Hellenized by Greek-Rhodian-Cretan settlers. It was not possible to give a certain name to the city that arose in this place, it is believed that it can be identified with Motyon, the first fortified center in the Agrigento area.
The site is located in the Salso valley, it developed in five small hills close to each other, in a strategic position for connections between the southern and northern coasts of the island.
There are some on the site cave tombs from the castle period and a circular hut with furnishings dating back to the Early Bronze Age (18th-14th century BC). Among the finds found there are some dating back to the early Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC) characterized by red ceramics painted with geometric motifs.
After a period of abandonment, the site was inhabited again during the Age of Iron until the Hellenic colonization starting from the 5th century BC. During this period the village was fortified.
Starting from the 6th century BC. it was colonized by Greek populations of Agrigento origin, a period to which date back a temple for the cult of female divinities and important discoveries in the necropolis: ceramic sarcophagi, locally made vases, kits of vases from other Hellenic areas; knives, spears, bronze curry combs, coins.
The city was almost inexplicably abandoned around 320 BC.
The many artifacts, some in excellent condition, evidence of a thriving past, they are now exhibited in various museums in Sicily.
