Tematín

Temple E at Selinus is one of the major Greek Doric temples located within the archaeological park of Selinunte on Sicily’s southwest coast. It forms part of the extensive temple complex that dominates the ancient city’s acropolis and surrounding sanctuaries.

The temple dates to the period of Greek colonization of Sicily and is characterised by large stone columns and the remains of a peristyle. It was substantially damaged in antiquity and now survives as a large ruin that illustrates classical Doric proportions.

Selinunte’s temples, including Temple E, were constructed by Greek settlers and functioned as civic and religious centres until the city’s destruction in the late 5th century BC and subsequent historical events. The site is a principal component of the larger Selinunte archaeological park.

Temple E is situated within the Selinunte archaeological park near the modern town of Castelvetrano on the southwest coast of Sicily.

• Historical identification: Identification with the biblical city of Shechem makes the site significant for both archaeology and biblical studies.

What to See #

• Main mound: The standing stone foundations, walls and terraces of the principal mound show occupation phases from Bronze and Iron Age levels attributed to the ancient city historically called Shechem.
• Terraces and excavation areas: Lower terraces and excavation areas where city streets, cisterns and domestic structures have been documented across successive periods of occupation.