Geo-environmental changes and historical events in the area of the Greek archaeological site of Selinunte (Western Sicily, Italy)

Abstract

Detailed geomorphological and geo-archaeological surveys were carried out in this study at the Greek archaeological site of Selinunte to reconstruct the landscape evolution that occurred before and during the anthropization of the site and to verify the possible correlations between geo-environmental changes and human events that characterized almost four centuries of the history of the city. By using a multidisciplinary approach and different survey techniques, this study testified the role played by climate, geomorphological setting and georesources in conditioning the development of the city and the close relationship sometimes observed between the historical events and natural processes. This included the controversial and never discovered hydraulic work of Empedocles who, according to textual sources, in 444 BC, resolved a public health problem linked to the presence of marshy areas.

Keywords

• selinunte
• geo-archaeology
• climate change
• societal changes
• empedocle’s work