Archaeologists working at Finziade, located in southern Italy, recently uncovered remarkable finds at an unexplored area of the site known as “House 19”. Founded in 282 BC by Phintius of Acragas to resettle people from the destroyed city of Gela, Finziade is now revealing new facets of daily life through these excavations.

The exposed structure is surprisingly well-preserved and comprises domestic rooms that shed light on household arrangements, economic activity, and private religious customs.

Adjacent to the living quarters, researchers have revealed an industrial zone equipped with ovens, processing setups, and an artisan workshop. Inside, clay molds for creating terracotta oil lamps and religious figurines were found, illuminating aspects of local craft and economic practices during the Hellenistic–Roman era.

In close proximity, a domestic sacellum—a small household shrine—was discovered intact. It contained ritual statues and offerings, offering rare insight into intimate religious rituals performed within private residences, rather than in public temples.

The excavation is being led by the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples in collaboration with CNR–ISPC of Catania. Archaeologists highlighted that: “These discoveries extend beyond their archaeological value. They represent a successful collaboration between researchers, institutions, and the local community, including youth engagement in preserving cultural heritage.”

The project is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate the Licata region by promoting cultural tourism and educational efforts, thereby bringing attention to the area’s relatively overlooked yet rich historical legacy.