Discovering Abakainon
Discovering Abakainon
Nestled between the Tellarita and Mazzarrà rivers, on the northeastern ridge of the first Nebrodi hills overlooking the coast between Milazzo and Tindari, lies the ancient settlement of Abakainon, now part of the territory of Tripi.
Tripi’s history is deeply intertwined with Abakainon, the ancient Sicilian city whose origins date back to the Stentinello Neolithic (6800-6400 BC), as evidenced by archaeological finds in the area. This uninterrupted human presence continued into the Protohistoric period, when the area was inhabited by the Siculi, who founded the first settlement here, laying the foundations for the city’s future development.
Although historical sources as early as 1558 mention a large city in this territory
Diodorus Siculus mentioned the identification of Tripi with Abakainon. Bonfiglio proposed this in 1604 and later confirmed it in 1886 with the discovery of coins bearing the inscription “Abakainon” by Salinas
From the 6th century BC, Abakainon experienced significant development thanks to its strategic location along an important coastal route and the agricultural and pastoral vocation of the indigenous population.
While historical sources don’t explicitly mention Abakainon in the context of the Sicilian revolt led by Ducetius (461 BC), the minting of silver coins suggests possible involvement in his military coalition.
In the 4th century BC, Abakainon was involved in events related to Dionysius I of Syracuse: In 396 BC, the Syracusan tyrant seized part of its territory. Allying with the Carthaginians under Mago in 393 BC, the city suffered a defeat that placed it under harsh Syracusan rule. Later, Agathocles had forty political opponents executed there.
Occupied by the Romans in 262 BC and renamed Abacaenum, Abakainon aided both sides during the civil war between Octavian and Sextus Pompeius. Subsequently, it suffered punishment that led to its destruction. After a decline, the city appears to have flourished again in the Middle Ages.
In short
Tripi-Abakainon represents a site of exceptional historical value, witnessing uninterrupted human presence from the Neolithic period to Roman times, and playing a significant role in the political and military history of ancient Sicily. Its ruins, scattered throughout the territory of Tripi, still hold the secrets of a rich and fascinating past that continues to amaze.
