Archaic Temple of Athena Emerges on the Acropolis of Velia

On the acropolis of Velia, located in Campania, the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Athena, dating to between 540 and 530 BC, have been discovered. This important discovery, made by the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia, revealed a rectangular building at least 18x7 meters, characterized by mud-brick walls, a beaten earth floor, and roof tiles. Among the finds are decorated ceramics, vases with the inscription 'IRE' ('sacred'), metal fragments of weapons, and two well-preserved helmets: one of Chalcidian type and the other of Negau type. Massimo Osanna, Director General of Museums, suggests that the structure may have been built by Phocaean refugees after the Battle of Alalia (541-535 BC), to offer the goddess the weapons taken from enemies. The helmets, still to be analyzed, may contain inscriptions that could help identify the warriors. The excavation campaign aims to deepen knowledge of the Greek colony founded around 540 BC.