Argimusco
Encyclopedia
The Argimusco is a high plateau
situated just North of Mount Etna
in Sicily, between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. It lies within the boundaries of the communes of Montalbano Elicona
, Tripi (which is built on the site of the ancient Abacaenum) and Roccella Valdemone
.
Numerous megaliths, which local tradition attributes to a prehistoric population, are found in this area, as are ancient menhirs and almost unrecognisable dolmens. It is generally considered that these are, in fact, completely natural, being produced by wind erosion
.
Amongst the most noteworthy megaliths, around Portella Cerasa stand two majestic, solemn and rather menacing large elongated boulders, which recall the symbols of virility and femininity, whilst another megalith, not far way, has the appearance of an eagle and is incised with a symbol of the Sun that was worshiped as a god. Further West , at Portella Zilla, a rustic building may enclosed the remains of a dolmen with a huge boulder in front, which may be the remains of a fallen menhir.
No signs of prehistoric man’s presence, such as pottery, tools or bones, are found around the presumed monuments.
Plateau
In geology and earth science, a plateau , also called a high plain or tableland, is an area of highland, usually consisting of relatively flat terrain. A highly eroded plateau is called a dissected plateau...
situated just North of Mount Etna
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the tallest active volcano in Europe, currently standing high, though this varies with summit eruptions; the mountain is 21 m higher than it was in 1981.. It is the highest mountain in...
in Sicily, between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. It lies within the boundaries of the communes of Montalbano Elicona
Montalbano Elicona
Montalbano Elicona is a comune in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 150 km east of Palermo and about 50 km southwest of Messina...
, Tripi (which is built on the site of the ancient Abacaenum) and Roccella Valdemone
Roccella Valdemone
Roccella Valdemone is a comune in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 150 km east of Palermo and about 50 km southwest of Messina...
.
Numerous megaliths, which local tradition attributes to a prehistoric population, are found in this area, as are ancient menhirs and almost unrecognisable dolmens. It is generally considered that these are, in fact, completely natural, being produced by wind erosion
Eolian processes
Aeolian processes pertain to the activity of the winds and more specifically, to the winds' ability to shape the surface of the Earth and other planets. Winds may erode, transport, and deposit materials, and are effective agents in regions with sparse vegetation and a large supply of...
.
Amongst the most noteworthy megaliths, around Portella Cerasa stand two majestic, solemn and rather menacing large elongated boulders, which recall the symbols of virility and femininity, whilst another megalith, not far way, has the appearance of an eagle and is incised with a symbol of the Sun that was worshiped as a god. Further West , at Portella Zilla, a rustic building may enclosed the remains of a dolmen with a huge boulder in front, which may be the remains of a fallen menhir.
No signs of prehistoric man’s presence, such as pottery, tools or bones, are found around the presumed monuments.