Editing Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (section)

=== Ancient history ===

In the area corresponding to the current municipal area, the following ancient settlements were identified:

* Settlement and necropolis of the Bronze Age and Iron Age, in Maloto locality.
* Settlement and necropolis, from around the 10th century BC, in Pizzo Lando.
* Settlement and necropolis of ancient Greek or Hellenistic times, assigned to 8th century BC, in Oliveto locality.
* Settlement and necropolis of [[Sicani]]/Greek origins, dating from around the 6th and 5th centuries BC, in Sant'Onofrio locality.

In 265 BC, the Battle of Longano, between the army of [[Hiero II of Syracuse]] and the [[Mamertines]] under the command of the leader [[Cione]], took place in this area. The exact assignment of the place in the absence of identifiable cause remains earthquakes, floods, or diversion of water courses. There are several hypotheses that place the event along the courses of the rivers bordering the "Mela" or "Patrì", and other in the vicinity of the mythical city "Longane" ([[Rodì Milici]]) or "Abacena" ([[Tripi]]), however settlements related to the same conflict.