Erice, Sicily, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe dating from earlier than 900 BC.
It was probably founded by Phonecian settlers, who built the first walls, still exiting.
Then it was settled by the Elimites, who built the temple of Segesta. And then Romans (to be) and Greeks.

From the time of the Normans, the town was named Monte San Giuliano.
In the 1930s under Mussolini, the town was renamed to recall its ancient past;
Monte San Giuliano, formerly Eryx, became Erice.

Its praises were sung by the poet,Virgil,in the Book V of the Aeneid.
"Then, on the top of Eryx, they begin
A rising temple to the Paphian queen (Venus Idalia).
Anchises, last, is honor'd as a god;
A priest is added, annual gifts bestow'd,
And groves are planted round his blest abode.
Nine days they pass in feasts, their temples crown'd;
And fumes of incense in the fanes abound."

The Cult of Venus Ericina had begun.