Landscape dynamics and cultural contacts in the territory of Himera in the Archaic period

In central-northern Sicily, the watershed area between the northern and southern Imera and Platani rivers has already been recognized for years as a pivotal area in relations between the different areas of the island, both in reference to the political and economic projections of the colonial poleis , especially between Himera, Akragas, both in reference to economic relations and cultural contacts with indigenous communities. This area is very crucial context of encounter and confrontation between communities, in which complex systems of territorial articulation can be grasped. The position of the settlements along the basins of the two Himera highlights a close connection in terms of intervisibility, well expressed by the prevailing location along the main roads, especially on the reliefs with marked strategic connotations. The population is divided into districts, each of which occupied a distinct position in the system of reciprocal interrelationships and with the Greek colony.