Entella
In the ruins of the Elymian town of Entella, Sicily hides a unique kingdom that bears scarce competition. This ancient city was neighbored by river Hypsas (or Belice, as it is called now) and was found almost midway between the two seas. Sources of its origins admit that the Sicanians were its initiators, although there are other testimonials that allude the construction of the settlement to the Elymians.
Diodorus Siculus was the first to actually enounce the name of Entella while depicting the episode of the decimation by the Campanian mercenaries. They proclaimed themselves rulers of the city, a title that stood up for many years. Despite the past marked by serial battles between wannabe possessors and actual rulers, the city was successful in gradually developing and even flourishing. Economy was led by wine and corn production which is stated by Cicero who congratulates the Entellians for their agricultural skills.
Diodorus Siculus
The 13th century brought destruction over Entella, a destruction which was deployed under the lead of Emperor Frederick II. The father of Sicilian history, Tommaso Fazello, depicted the city as a strong settlement, especially due to the natural environment. An analysis of his work shows that the ruins available in his time were reminisces of the mediaeval town and the Saracenic castle.
Entella rejoices over a quality of great importance, unique and therefore precious. It is a numismatic empire. Various models of coins bearing incredible inscriptions were discovered over the years. There are coins from 320/15- 300 BC that illustrate the wreathed head of Arethusa with four dolphins around it while the other side exemplifies a horse head with a palm tree on the left. From the times of the Campanian mercenaries, 404- 342 BC, coins show a man with a beard and a helmet while on the other side they present the image of a Pegasos flying. Another model illustrates the head of Heracles who bears a head cover made of a lion’s skin and the other side shows a horse’s head with a palm tree next to it.
The shape of the coins has been severely damaged. Actually, it is quite a wonder why they didn’t get destroyed by nature’s caprices. Well, they are present and if talking about a coin collector, it’s certain for Entella to catch the eye. The ruins deserve close attention, both for the archaeological traces and for the view that they have been faithfully offering for so many decades.