In the origins, a furnace bridge which remained was here high by Sicules in the VIIIth century b-JC.
In the Vth b-JC, it was transformed into a temple dedicated to Athena in the honor of the goddess after the victory of Himeria against carthage (480 b-JC).

This famous temple in all mediteranean sea had raised doors of gold and ivory, frescos illustrating the engagements against Carthage, and it was surmounted by a gold statue of Athena.
In the VIIth century, the temple is found covered with a Christian building. Walls are assembled between the external columns, eight arcades are assembled in the cella of the temple, giving on the two side aisles thus obtained.