HENNA (city in Sicily)
Ancient city in Sicily
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Sicily
- Where
- 37.57° N, 14.28° E
The meadow is level and well-watered in the center but surrounded by high cliffs. Diodorus 5.3 Pluton used the grotto's chasm to abduct Core with his chariot. Diodorus 5.3 A huge grotto with a chasm leading underground and opening north is nearby. Diodorus 5.3
Described in the sources
Enna is located in the interior of the island on a hill, in the very center of Sicily, between Syracuse and Eryx. Diodorus 5.3 +2 The territory of Enna contains meadows where the abduction of Core occurred, which were assigned to her as her portion. Diodorus 5.3 +1 The ground near the lake features flowers of Tyrian color, and a beautiful spot near the city is famous for its violets and other flowers. Diodorus 5.3 +1 Spring weather is perpetual in the grove near this city. Ovid Met. 5.385-461 Sacred groves and marshy flats are located near the meadow. Diodorus 5.3 It is surrounded by spacious table-lands suitable for agriculture. Strabo 6.2.6 The hill-sides of Henna are described as unfavorable to the goddess Ceres. Statius, Thebaid 4.121-146 ¶1 Some writers call the place the navel of Sicily due to its central position. Diodorus 5.3 Violets and other flowers in the area bloom continuously throughout the entire year. Diodorus 5.3 The goddess loved Enna intensely, comparing her affection for it to her love for Eleusis and Triopum. Callimachus, Hymn 6 ¶1
Gods and worship
A temple dedicated to Ceres exists within the city. Strabo 6.2.6 Enna commands the surrounding plains from its central position. Strabo 6.2.7
Stories and history
Athena, Artemis, and Core gathered flowers together in this location. Diodorus 5.3 The strong scent of local flowers prevents trained hunting dogs from tracking scents. Diodorus 5.3 Fugitive slaves led by Eunus seized the city and held it during a long siege that the Romans found difficult to reduce, causing significant damage to the city. Strabo 6.2.6