The sterile country between Trapani and Alcamo (in Sicily) may render
the stranger better prepared to contemplate one of the finest of ancient
monuments--all that remains of Ægesta, celebrated for the temple of the
Erycinian Venus. This town, situated on a height at the base of Mount
Eryx, was deserted and almost in ruins at so early a period as the time
of Strabo.
All travellers, who have examined the temple, are unanimous in its
commendation. "The effect it produced at a distance," says Mons. Simon,
"increased as I approached. Such is the magic of its proportions, and
the beauty of its forms, that, at whatever side it may be viewed, it is
equally admirable. It has braved the influence of time--the edifice
stands entire, columns, entablature, pediment--all except the cella and
roof, which have disappeared. The columns, of the Ionic order, are about
seven feet in diameter at the base, tapering towards the top, and only
four diameters in height; but they form, with the front, a total height
of fifty-eight feet. The dimensions of the interior are about one
hundred and seventy-four feet by seventy-two."
This city was destroyed by Agathocles. At a subsequent time it was the
residence of the tyrant Æmilius Censorinus, who offered rewards to such
artists as were the most ingenious in the invention of instruments of
torture![3]