2,500 years of Sicilian History, in one day.... part one

On Wednesday the 18th, the ten of us awoke at the B&B in Agrigento with great anticipation, and a little concern.  Anticipation because we would tour both the Greek temples in Agrigento and the Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.  And concern, because it was raining.  After a wonderful breakfast and warm goodbyes to Francesco, we set off for the temples with all the rain gear we had.

When we arrived at the site, we were greeted be a soaking wet but beautiful dog which we promptly named Sandy.  Sandy walked with us the whole way, sort of guiding us, through the park.  Sandy never asked for anything, but did get rewarded with a treat or two.  At one point, Sandy jumped up on a wall to pose....

The temples are the most visible remains of the Greek colony of Akragas, which flourished here in the 5th century B.C.  Estimates indicate that upwards of half a million people lived here... an advanced city of western civilization... 2,500 years ago.  Although there are several temples here, the two most complete are Juno and Concordia.  This is the Temple of Juno....

The largest temple is Concordia.  Here it is....

We explored the old walls of the city....

And look at this naturally occurring lichen, isn't it the perfect color for the exterior of an Italian villa... ?

 We concluded our visit to the temples of the ancient Greek colony in Agrigento, Sandy escorting us all the way.  We bid farewell to Sandy, piled into our vehicles, and headed sixty miles east and 900 years into the future, to 400 A.D. and the Roman era Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, to see the amazing mosaic tile floors.  The adventure continues....