Archaeological Sicily 

Bronze Statues of Riace

Legend has it that there are 12 bronze statues originating from Neptune's circular temple in the Mirgi lake in Ganzirri. Two of the statues "crossed" the sea and landed in Riace . (Calabria), where they were found, strangely enough, not buried under the sea bottom. The bronze statues remained in the area of the Strait but if 12 do in fact exist, where are the others now?

Danke 525 A. C.

In the Phoenician alphabet, the letter K corresponds to our A. This coin is usually identified with the sickle of the harbour. Danke backside, the shell (symbol of life) is at the centre a geometric cross....

The Tower 38 A. C.

A coin portraying a circular tower dedicated to Neptune.

The Messeni Hare 480 A. C.

The hare constellation is located under Orione. Messina finds itself under these two constellations on December 2 at midnight.

Thea

The most ancient preserved Sicilian female skeleton dating back to 11,000 years ago. It was found in a little town called Acquedolci in the "S. Teodoro" cave together with six other tombs, animal remains, weapons, spears, and work tools which were made and sold by Thea. Remains of hyenas, deer and elephants were also found in the same place.

Trinakia Pelorias 411 A. C.

The Peloria goddes after whom the Peloro Capo is named. On the backside: a trident with dolphins.

Hippopotamuses, Hyenas Elephant

Remains of these animals were found in a cave in S. Teodoro. They date back to 100,000 years ago. In the same place later, inhabited by Thea, there were also deer, bears, wild boars and horse.

Camaro Axes

They were found recently and date back to 5,000 years ago.

The Regional Museum

It was founded in 1806 and given the name  Public Peloritani Museum was. The museum was relocated several times until 1914 when it was moved to its present location designed by Manganaro, Basile and Virgilio.

Ancient sepultures were found in jars during excavations near the building site of the Cultural Wealth offices on Viale Boccetta . They are on exhibition in the Archeological Museum in Syracuse and the Vittorio Emanuel Theatre in Messina.

Scilla

A ravenous nymph transformed into a sea whirlpool by Zeus for having eaten Hercules' oxen. Mythology portrays her as a monster and she is the symbol of the Strait's dangerous current that change direction every six hours.

The Screech Owl 430 A. C.

It is the symbol of King Kokalos dynasty and can be found on coins from Athens.

Statue of Diana

Made by Spada brothers of Lipari.

Theatrical Mask

it comes from the Menandro ancient theatre. Lipari's Museum is the only exhibit of masks.

Lipari Archaeological Museum

It is considered he biggest archaeological museum in Europe and houses approximately 20,000 pieces. Bernabò Brea , the museum founder, thought that the most ancient Sicilian in habitants -the "Siculi"- came from Liguria in northern Italy, while the "Sicani" came from Spain. Another Sicilian ancient people, the "Elimi", have an unknown origin. Recent studies revealed that the "Sicani" had fair eyes and fair hair.

Tombstone

Dating back to 5,000 years ago, this Tombstone was found in Castelluccio, near Syracuse. It reveals surprising know ledge of the female reproductive organs.