Ambiente ed economia nell’hinterland di Himera (Sicilia settentrionale), dalla preistoria alla prima età medievale. Una preliminare analisi comparativa con il comprensorio di Cignana (Agrigento, Sicilia meridionale)

The aim of this paper is to present the palaeo-environmental approaches and preliminary results in the district of Northern Imera river, corresponding to the territory of the ancient cities of Himera (destroyed in 409 BC) and Thermae Himeraeae (founded in 407 BC). The area is located in the North-West of Sicily, and it is mainly characterized by hilly landscape crossed by rivers facing the Thyrrenian Sea, and by a mountainous landscape (the Madonie) on the eastern side. Comparing the results of the archaeological excavations (in the city of Himera, and in the rock-shelter of Vallone Inferno), with topographical and palaeo-environmental analysis (both in the Northern Imera river and in the Madonie), we have taken into consideration relevant aspects regarding the ancient habitat and human activities in the coastal area, and in the hilly and mountain contexts South and East of Himera, from Prehistory to Late Antiquity. Strong erosion is well recognizable inside the city of Himera and in the surroundings. It is possible that it has originated in Late-Archaic and Classical Ages, maybe connected to anthropic activities. Furthermore, transformations of the territory have occured during Late Antiquity and Early Medieval Age. In addition, a preliminary comparative analysis can be made with the area of Cignana, in southern Sicily, East of Agrigento. Cignana is a hilly context near the coast, crossed by the road system connecting the East and West of the island.