v57_0025 - SICILY - HIMERA Hemilitron

SICILY - HIMERA

(5th - 4th century BC)

Himère, a Chalcidian colony, was founded by inhabitants of Zancle in 648 BC. The city was taken by Théron, tyrant of Agrigento in 482 BC, and its population deported. After the end of the "akragantine" domination in 472 BC, the city underwent significant economic development until its final destruction by the Carthaginian forces in 408 BC. Its population, which had counted up to to 40,000 inhabitants, then took refuge in Therma. After the destruction of Himera by the Carthaginians, the city was deserted and its population was put to death or deported. However two years later, refugees returned to the deserted territory of Himera although a new city was founded, Thermai, the two entities having a distinct existence. However, this new foundation never regained the luster of the old.