Legend about Agrigento

Agrigento is today known as the site of a beautiful temple valley, one of the most splendid spots for anyone who loves ancient ruins and ancient cultures, but the city has a darker story hidden in its past. Phálaris, one of the ancient dictators of Akragas (the ancient name of Agrigento) was known to be a cruel ruler, and it was under him that the legend of the brazen bull came into being. The bull was made of bronze and had a hollow torso, in which condemned captives were confined. The entire statue was then placed on a large fire in front of the dictator. While the victim was cooked alive the horrible smell of burning flesh was filtered through tubes filled with perfumes and their screams sounded like those of a raging bull. This method of execution was representative of the evil reputation of Phálaris, acquired most probably during his many military campaigns against his neighbours.