Tra Palermo e Solunto: insediamenti, ambiente, paesaggio, viabilità e risorse in età antica

Abstract

This paper describes the hinterland between Palermo and Solunto (north-western Sicily). The focus is the distribution of settlements, linked to the geomorphological context, the potential resources and the ancient route system. The analysis ranges from the Archaic to the Middle Ages, when some relevant sites – both from an economic and strategic point of view – are part of the properties of the Teutonic Order. Some important routes cross the area, both in the SW direction, towards Monte Iato, and in the SE direction, towards the area of influence of the Greek colony of Himera. The analysis is carried out using toponymy and historical cartography, associated with the few archaeological data currently available.