The most western of the Greek colonies in Sicily, founded in XVII century B.C. managed to flourish for a long time in spite of its uncomfortable position between its enemies the Elimi of Segesta and the Phoenicians of Motia. It fought many times against the nearby town of Segesta and whose people being in danger, asked for help from the Carthaginens who, after a long siege, subdued and destroyed the town Selinunte (409B.C.)
The latest archaeological excavations have uncovered a large area which includes more ruins of the old town and a large number of temples, a necropolis and a shrine.