I TRITOPATORES DA SELINUNTE AD ATENE: GENERARE E PURIFICARE LA POLIS

Among the cults present at Selinus, that of the Tritopatores (literally, "third fathers," or ancestors) is of particular interest, both in reference to individual family groups and as a group of ancestors of the entire polis, guarantors and protectors of its identity and well-being. What I intend to outline in the following pages is a comprehensive overview of our knowledge of these collective ancestors and the cultic aspects that characterize their ritual activity and social functions. I will proceed from Selinus to Athens, where the only known sanctuary of the Tritopatores is located.