The ancient polis of Adranon on the slopes of Mount Etna

The ancient polis of Adranon on the slopes of Mount Etna

Source and license: Azotoliquido / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized

Explore the history of a Greek city founded by Dionysius I, known for its basalt walls and unique prehistoric roots.

Adranon, or Adranos, was an ancient city founded by Dionysius I of Syracuse around 400 BC. It was located near the Simeto River on the southwestern slopes of Mount Etna and was known for its "simetite" variety of amber.

The first excavations took place in 1959. The perimeter walls, built of basalt ashlar, are in good condition on the east side, while a steep ravine along the river served as a defense on the south side. In the northeastern edge of the wall, a rectangular tower is now incorporated into St. Francis Church.

Excavations have also revealed a type of grave uncommon in Sicily, consisting of small circular structures in lava stone that are vaguely reminiscent of Mycenaean domes - tholoi. These findings are part of a site that sits atop a pre-Hellenic Neolithic settlement.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Guide me

Hear this story where it happened, along with the others around it. Say how many days you have and what you are into, and we put together a route through these places, with a voice guide telling each story as you arrive.

Guide me

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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