Xiphonia: a ghost city in the province of Catania, surrounded by a singular mysteryToday we will discover this ancient Greek city, between history and legend.
Once upon a time there was Xiphonia…
Historians have no doubts: Xiphonia really existedDiodorus Siculus states that it was founded by the Greeks around the 7th century BC, with a name that recalls that of the promontory and the river (Aci). According to others, the toponym Xiphonia derives from the tips of the typical stacks of Acitrezza. With a variable name (it has often been cited as "Xifonia", "Scifonia", "Sifonia"), it is thought that this Greek citizen It was located in the territory between Aci Catena, Acireale, and Aci Castello. The location of Xiphonia, however, is not certain, but presumed. According to some, Xiphonia arose near Augusta: here, Cape Xiphonio and a road called Xifonia exist.
Il Mystery of Xiphonia It began around 30 BC when wars, looting, and destruction from eruptions and earthquakes forced the local inhabitants to move further south. After being conquered by the Romans (around the 2nd century BC), the Greek town changed its name to Akis. During the Second Punic War, it assumed a significant role, so much so that it was mentioned in Silius Italicus's "De Bello Punico." After the Punic War, the present-day province of Etna faced very difficult years: several natural catastrophes forced the inhabitants of Akis to emigrate south. Gradually, the ancient city of Akis, along with the memory of the mysterious city of Xiphonia, faded completely.
Legends and literary testimonies linked to the city of Xiphonia
In addition to myth of Acis and Galatea, there are several "literary testimonies" of the real existence of theancient city of Xiphonia.
– The Roman poet Claudian in “De raptu Proserpinae” mentions the city of Xiphonia when he tells how the Giants fell into the Aci Grove as punishment from Zeus after attempting to climb Olympus.
Saint Venera was born on Good Friday in the year 100 AD in the area of the Xiphonie Baths. On July 26, 143 AD, the saint was beheaded in the same area.
– The eruption of 396 BC, which hit the Acireale territory, is said to have terrified and put to flight Himilco's fleet which was preparing to land in that area.
Finds of a lost city
Over the years, numerous archaeological finds from the Roman era have been discovered that confirm the existence of Xiphonia and the landing place of Akis. The finds discovered at Chief Mills, at Nizzeti, Reitana, and Santa Venera al Pozzo confirm the existence of a Greek colonization. Other archaeological finds demonstrate that the transition from the Greek to the Roman era, and thus the disappearance of Xiphonia and the timely arrival of Akis, actually occurred. Examples include the "Bust of Acireale," now preserved in the Pinacoteca Zelantea, the mosaic known as "the Pegasus," and various remains of columns, carvings, and cisterns dating back to the late Roman Empire. Lachea Island, moreover, is full of ceramics that would testify to the site's presence in Roman times.
Recommended reading of the book by Graziano d'Urso, “Xiphonia, the birth of Akis”, in Italian eBook.
