Assorus (Sicily)
According to Tommaso Fazello, the remains of the ancient walls, and one of the gates, were still visible in his time (16th century). It was situated on a lofty hill, at the foot of which flowed the river Chrysas (now called the Dittaino), the tutelary deity of which was worshipped with peculiar reverence by the Assorini, and inhabitants of the neighbouring cities. His temple was situated, as we learn from Cicero, at a short distance from the town, on the road to Enna; and so sacred was it deemed, that even Verres did not venture openly to violate it, but his emissaries made an unsuccessful attempt to carry off the statue of the deity in the night. Fazello asserts that considerable remains of this temple were still extant in his day; but the description he gives of them would lead us to suppose that they must have belonged to an ancient edifice of a different class.
The coins of Assorus bear on the reverse a standing figure, with the name annexed of Chrysas. They are found only of copper, and are evidently of late date, from the fact that the legends are in Latin.
References
- ^ Ptolemy. The Geography. Vol. 3.4.13.
- ^ Stephanus of Byzantium. Ethnica. Vol. s.v.
- ^ Diodorus Siculus. Bibliotheca historica (Historical Library). Vol. 14.58, 14.78.
- ^ Cicero, Verr. 3.1. 8, 43, 4.44.
- ^ Pliny. Naturalis Historia. Vol. 3.8.14.
- ^ Cicero, Verr. 4.44.
- ^ Fazell. de Reb. Sic. 10.2. p. 440.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Assorus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.