Doric temple at Segester, western Sicily. It is thought to have been built in the 420s BC by an Athenian architect, but several elements suggest that the temple was never finished. The earliest reference to Segesta, is in 580BC when the Segestans were engaged in hostillities with the neighbouring city of Selinus, now Selinunte. It eventually became the richest and most powerful city in the region and for many years was an ally of Carthage.