NAXOS

Location: Giardini Naxos, Messina (Sicily, Italy) — 37.8190 N, 15.2694 E

Dating: 6th century BC

Characteristics: The ancient city was protected by fortification walls built in early polygonal (cyclopean) technique along the promontory’s Santa Venera stream. Blocks were large and made of local volcanic basalt, forming the city’s early defensive perimeter. One particular section of the polygonal wall located at the southwestern-most point of the settlement is made of very precise joinery. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the wall continues for approximately 100 meters before disappearing underground.

Polygonal classification: Types I-II (Lugli)

Attribution: The settlement is attributed to Greek colonists.

Specific points to see:

• Parco Archeologico Naxos Taormina