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The City of Salemi

Last Updated: 05 Dec 2001

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Monte Polizzo Project

The Monte Polizzo Project is a group of international scholars who are interested in the ancient Elymi of western Sicily, and their Early Iron Age origins, development and eventual collapse.

Our project is focused primarily on the site and surrounding slopes of Monte Polizzo, located in the territory of Salemi in Trapani Province.

Monte Polizzo is a proto-urban settlement, tentatively dated to 9th - 4th C. BC. It is located on an easily defended hilltop, visually dominating a vast area of western Sicily. More famous sites like the Greek city of Selinunte, on the southern coast and Segesta in the central hilly area can be seen from Monte Polizzo.

The project began in 1998 with exploratory excavations, mapping, and regional survey work. 

Work has been continuing with excavations on Monte Polizzo (House 1, Acropolis, Portella Santa Anna), in the city Center of Salemi (Ancient Alica), at Mokarta, and regional survey around Salemi.

The plans for 2002 are to continue excavations at the Acropolis and in the city center of Salemi.