In Segesta we visited our first Ancient Greek temple, which was constructed with local stone in the Doric order. The distinct Doric column, whose capital consists of a circle topped by a square, shaft is plain, and possesses no base is clearly visible. Other prominent features of the Doric style on display are the empty rectangular spaces above the columns called metopes, which are separated by an alternating pattern of vertical lines known as triglyphs. Interestingly, the lack of fluting on the columns, presence of protruding stone from the crepidoma (the stepped foundation of the temple), and absence of any niches for the support beams indicate that this structure was never fully completed. Although it is difficult to say exactly why, the reason could possibly relate to Thucydides’ account of the Sicilian expedition, which we have been studying in our Latin class with Professor Boyd. Perhaps the construction of the temple was undertaken by the Segestans as a component of their elaborate ruse to trick the Athenians into thinking that they were wealthier than they actually were. This makes sense considering that in the ancient world the construction of temples was one of the primary ways for a community to display its wealth. When the Athenians envoys sent to Segesta must have seen this temple being built, they naturally assumed that Segesta possessed adequate financial strength and therefore agreed to provide aid.