ABSTRACT
The establishment of Greek foundations or apoikiai in Sicily in the second half of the eighth century BC provided the opportunity for placemaking on an unprecedented scale. An investigation of urbanism at the periphery of the Greek world reveals that the traditions in urbanisation were implemented at sites of non-Greek origin following the expansion of Greek presence into the island's hinterland. The initial division of territory within the Greek foundations was between the asty and chora; this distinction differentiated the urban core from the surrounding agricultural territory that would support the city. Within the earliest urban grids, such as Megara Hyblaia and Syracuse, the agora is located centrally within the residential area. The Archaic urban grid in Greek Sicily took the form of a per strigas system, which incorporated the principal thoroughfares oriented east-west, intersecting narrower north-south streets. The unique historical circumstances surrounding the creation of the Classical period urban grid provide insights into the place-making process.
