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Ear of Dionysius

This post is also available in: Polish (polski)

Ear of Dionysius
Ear of Dionysius

In the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis in Syracuse there is the so-called “Ear of Dionysius”, which was part of an ancient quarry. The 23-meter-high entrance to the cave is shaped like a human ear.

The cave, 65 meters deep, was used as a temporary prison in ancient times. It owes its name to the existing anecdote that Dionysius I – tyrant of Syracuse in the years 405-367 BCE – who was famous for his suspicion, used the acoustics of the cave to eavesdrop on the convicts.