Sicily (South Coast)
The city of Heloros was founded by Syracuse in order to mark territory and provide protection to the south. Textual references to this city attest its existence at the beginning of the 5th century BC. Scholars believe it was the first Syracusan foundation in its territorial expansion. Note that in the walls of Syracuse there was a gate called the Helorine gate. The remains of walls found show that the city was already established at least from the 6th century BC; remains of houses from the end of the 8th century have also been found. Its existence is recorded until the period of Roman rule in Sicily.
Forms of occupation of the khóra
Outside the city walls a small sanctuary dedicated to Kore, the Koreion, was found. Dated to the Archaic period: in use from the 7th century BC to the Hellenistic period, with an interruption during the 5th century BC.
Borders
Aerial views of the archaeological site of Heloros.
Aerial view from the south-west: in the foreground, the Sanctuary of Demeter.
South-eastern sector of the urban area; in the foreground, the ruins of the theatre next…
Aerial view.Images of the sea and coast at Heloros.
View of the sea towards the north.
View of the sea towards the N.
View of the sea towards the N.
Sea.
View of the sea.Vegetation of the coastal area of Sicily.
Forms of occupation of the ásty
Votive objects indicating the attribution of the great sanctuary in the ásty to Demeter and the strong presence of the cult of this goddess in the city.
Terracotta arula with a dedication to Demeter, found in room 4 of the goddess's sanctuary.
Female marble head found in a cistern. It shows notable traces of colour. 2nd–1st century…
Female terracottas attesting the cult of chthonic deities.Images and plans of the sanctuary of Demeter. The whole south-western area of the city was redeveloped in the 4th century with the installation of public facilities such as the theatre, a small temple perhaps dedicated to Asclepius, and a large temple, probably dedicated to Demeter. Arulae (portable altars) and other objects were found in the latter, making it possible to identify the goddess worshipped here. It should also be noted that in this area archaeologists found houses dating from the 8th century BC with the same type of plan as those found at Megara Hyblaea, which in the 4th century were overlaid by the buildings of this redevelopment programme.
Plan of the area of the sanctuary of Demeter (after Voza).
Plan of the Sanctuary of Demeter (after Voza).
Stoa with paraskenia, seen from the western end (after Voza).
Sanctuary of Demeter.
Sanctuary of Demeter. In the foreground, the foundations of the stoa with two aisles.
Sanctuary of Demeter. Stoa with two aisles.Forms of occupation of the ásty
Stretches of wall of various sizes identified at Heloros.
General plan of the urban area (after Voza).
Stretch of wall, construction detail.
Stretch of wall on the north side.
Walls. Tower. Gates and walls project.
Walls. Tower.
Walls and gate.
Wall to the north-west of the plateau, including the (outer face of the) Archaic wall and…Forms of occupation of the khóra
Position of the defensive structures, the walls, and reproductions of some specific stretches.
Plan of the wall to the north-west of the plateau, including the (outer face of the)…
Plan of the city showing the course of the fortifications.Relationship between ásty and khóra
Plans showing the area of the settlement, the main structures and the relationship between ásty and khóra. Note the irregular plateia crossing the settlement and the installation of communal complexes such as the temple of Demeter, the stoai, the sanctuary of Asclepius and the theatre on the south side. These latter installations date from the 4th century BC. Note that the theatre lies outside the original walls. From the central part of the settlement a narrower street, a stenopos, branches off, where several residences have been excavated.
