Author: H. Catania

Download article as .pdf: Gesti votivi e spazi pubblici: due depositi dall’area del teatro di Agrigento

Research in the theatrical area of Agrigento, conducted by the University of Catania and the Polytechnic of Bari in collaboration with the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples, has provided valuable insights into the relationship between architecture, rituality, and votive practices. Focus is placed on two votive deposits from different sectors of the theatre. The first, discovered between October 2017 and February 2018 in the southwestern sector, is interpreted as the result of a foundation ritual, likely involving libations and offerings. The second, uncovered in 2021-2022 in the western sector, may represent an abandonment ritual. Both deposits illustrate deliberate symbolic use of space, indicating continuity between foundation and decommissioning. Comparative analysis highlights votive materials as mediators between architecture, rituality, and collective memory. These findings offer new interpretive perspectives on ancient religious practices and the symbolic role of architecture in ritual contexts.