Kasmenai, archaic temple

sketchfab

Casmene or Kasmenai (also known as Casmene in Italian) was an ancient Greek colony situated atop the Hyblaean Mountains, established by the Syracusans in 644 BC at a pivotal location that granted control over central Sicily. This strategic outpost also served as a forward military position on the Via Selinuntina road linking Syracuse to Akragas (modern-day Agrigento), with Gela and Akrillai lying to its west, and Akrai to its east. The Romans destroyed Casmene in 212 BC, leaving it abandoned for centuries during the 3rd century BC, never to be inhabited again. The site was unearthed by Sicilian archaeologist Paolo Orsi in the early 20th century after he pinpointed the most likely location as Monte Casale in Buscemi at an elevation of 830 meters above sea level. This extinct volcano is situated near Monte Lauro, approximately 7 kilometers from Giarratana and 12 kilometers from Palazzolo Acreide. Remnants of the fortified walls, stretching 3,400 meters in length, remain visible today alongside the foundation of a temple and several dwellings.