Il primo stanziamento fenicio a Mozia: nuovi dati dall’Area sacra del Kothon

Renewed excavations by Rome “La Sapienza” University at Mo-tya in the last ten years (2002-2011) provided a new set of archaeological data concerning the area of the so-called “kothon” and the nearby South Gate, with the identification of a huge sacred compound, including a monu-mental temple (called Temple of the Kothon, since it was connected with was proved to be a sacred pool), and several other cult installations and structures. Investigations both in the temple proper area and in the southern sector of this compound brought about the earliest layers of Phoenician occupation in the island, with a series of wells, a huge building and the earliest cult devices. Diagnostic ceramic finds, with striking comparisons in Phoenicia, hint at dating in the second quarter of the 8 th century BC for the foundation of the colony, that is roughly 50 years earlier than previous thought.