Mozia

Welcome to Mozia, or Mothia, a tiny island off the western coast of Sicily that holds the secrets of one of the ancient world's most powerful civilizations: the Carthaginians. As you step off the boat onto this sun-drenched…

Our exploration begins at the Whitaker Museum, housed in the former residence of Joseph Whitaker. Whitaker was a member of the famous Marsala wine-making family, but his true passion was archaeology and natural history. …

Leaving the museum, we head toward the southern edge of the island to view the South Gate. This was one of the main entrances to the fortified city, built during the fifth century B.C. …

Continuing our walk around the island's perimeter, we reach the North Gate. This entrance is perhaps even more significant than the south, as it was the primary link to the Sicilian mainland. …

We now move into the spiritual heart of Mozia: the Tofet. In Phoenician culture, a Tofet was a sacred open-air sanctuary used for religious rituals and as a burial ground for children. …

Mozia was not just a military and religious center; it was a vibrant industrial hub. As we move toward the eastern side of the island, we find the remains of the industrial quarters. …

One of the most enigmatic features of Mozia is the Cothon. Traditionally thought to be a small artificial harbor for Carthaginian warships, recent excavations have suggested that it may have had a more sacred function. …

As we conclude our walk through Mozia, we are left with the evocative silence of a once-powerful city. As Rick Steves eloquently put it, 'If you lose a war, you lose your right to say your side of the story.' The ruins of Mozia…