Agrigento
Agrigento (Italian: [aɡriˈdʒɛnto] ⓘ; Sicilian: Girgenti [dʒɪɾˈdʒɛndɪ] or Giurgenti [dʒʊɾˈdʒɛndɪ]; Ancient Greek: Ἀκράγας, romanized: Akrágas; Latin: Agrigentum or Acragas; Punic: ’GRGNT; Arabic: كركنت, romanized: Kirkant, or جرجنت Jirjant) is a city on the southern coast of Sicily, Italy and capital of the province of Agrigento.
Agrigento
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| Comune di Agrigento | |
Agrigento as seen from the Valley of the Temples. | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
| Motto: Signat Agrigentum mirabilis aula gigantum | |
Location of Agrigento | |
Agrigento Location of Agrigento in Italy Agrigento Agrigento (Sicily) | |
| Coordinates: 37°19′N 13°35′E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Agrigento (AG) |
| Frazioni | Fontanelle, Giardina Gallotti, Monserrato, Montaperto, San Leone, Villaggio La Loggia, Villaggio Mosè, Villaggio Peruzzo, Villaseta |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Francesco Miccichè (Ind) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 245.32 km2 (94.72 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 230 m (750 ft) |
| Population (31 March 2016) | |
| • Total | 59,791 |
| • Density | 240/km2 (630/sq mi) |
| Demonyms | Agrigentines or Girgintans agrigentini or girgentini (Italian) giurgintani (Sicilian) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 92100 |
| Dialing code | 0922 |
| Patron saint | St. Gerland (Gerlando) |
| Saint day | 25 February |
| Website | Official website |
Founded around 582 BC by Greek colonists from Gela, Agrigento, then known as Akragas, was one of the leading cities during the golden age of Ancient Greece. The city flourished under Theron's leadership in the 5th century BC, marked by ambitious public works and the construction of renowned temples.
Despite periods of dormancy during the Punic Wars, Agrigento emerged as one of Sicily's largest cities in the Republican era. During the Principate, Agrigento's strategic port and diverse economic ventures, including sulfur mining, trade and agriculture, sustained its importance throughout the high and late Empire. Economic prosperity persisted in the 3rd to 4th centuries AD, but excavations show decline in activity after the 7th century.