Il santuario di Contrada Mango a Segesta dall’età arcaica alla prima età classica: per una ricostruzione dello spazio sacro e del paesaggio cerimoniale

Abstract

This article provides an overall description of the phases of frequentation of the Sanctuary of Contrada Mango in Segesta. At least since the Archaic period it hosted dedications of weapons (in particular spears), evocative of the theme of war and hunting. Following new evidence stemming from the publication of previous excavations’ results and new enquiries, the article also outlines the monumental development of this sanctuary. It was a peri-urban sanctuary dominating the Vallone della Fusa, connected to the neighbouring territory which was intended as setting for ritual practices. The building of a monumental peribolos and a peripteral temple, between the Late Archaic and Early Classical periods, must bring about a remarkable change in people’s perception of sacred activities. For in the past sacred actions were performed consistently with the natural configuration of the site; now a close interaction between landscape and sacred buildings occurred. The new monumental buildings modified earlier paths and ritual spaces, favouring an interweaving of local cultic and ceremonial traditions and elements deriving (directly or indirectly) from Greek culture.