The battle of Himera, a city near present-day Termini Imerese took place between the troops of the Siceliotes, commanded by Gelon of Syracuse, allied by Theron of Akragas, and the Carthaginians, commanded by Hamilcar I, who was determined to destroy the Greek community in Sicily.
Gelon and Theron got the better of Hamilcar’s army, with a victory destined to become extremely important in western culture.
As a condition for peace, Gelon forced the Carthaginians to pay a huge tribute for the construction of two sanctuaries dedicated to Demeter in Sicily.
The numerous prisoners, before being released, were used to build these monumental places of worship.
