History of Sicily

TempleSegesta

Sicilia arcaica

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Mozia-kothon-baal-tempel

Les fondations (première et secondaire) grecques des cités de Sicile & dates de fondations

Sicily Selinunte Temple E (Hera)

History of Sicily has been a crossroad of civilization for millennia, with a rich tapestry of art, culture, and history. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily has seen the rise and fall of many empires and cultures, from the ancient Phoenicians and Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Its strategic location has made it a prize for conquerors but also a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in the island's diverse architecture, language, and cuisine.

Prehistoric and Ancient Times

The earliest evidence of human presence in Sicily dates back to around 12,000 BC, with the Sicani, Elymians, and Sicels being among the earliest known inhabitants. The island was known to the Phoenicians, who established colonies along the coast, but it was the arrival of the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC that truly marked the beginning of Sicily's rich history. The Greeks founded many cities, including Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte, which became centers of art, science, and philosophy. The Carthaginians later contested Greek control, leading to a series of conflicts known as the Sicilian Wars.

Roman Sicily

In 241 BC, Sicily became the first Roman province outside the Italian Peninsula after the Romans defeated the Carthaginians in the First Punic War. Under Roman rule, Sicily was a major source of grain for the empire, earning it the nickname "granary of Rome." The island also saw significant development, including the construction of roads and aqueducts.

Byzantine and Arab Sicily

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sicily was conquered by the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines ruled until the 9th century, when the Arabs invaded, introducing new crops, irrigation techniques, and the Arabic language, which influenced the Sicilian dialect. The Arab period was marked by prosperity and the growth of cities like Palermo, which became a major cultural and economic center.

Norman and Hohenstaufen Sicily

The Normans conquered Sicily in the 11th century, ushering in a period of stability and prosperity. They were notable for their tolerance and the flourishing of a unique culture that blended Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences. The Kingdom of Sicily was established, with Palermo as its capital. The island later came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, under whom it became one of the leading powers in the Mediterranean.

Spanish Rule and Later History

In the late 15th century, Sicily came under Spanish control, marking the beginning of several centuries of foreign domination, which included the Bourbons and the House of Savoy. The island was often neglected by its rulers, leading to economic decline and widespread poverty. This period was also marked by frequent uprisings, including the Sicilian Vespers, a major revolt against Angevin rule.

In 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Sicily, beginning the process of Italian unification. Sicily became an autonomous region of Italy in 1946, with its own parliament and government.

Modern Sicily

Today, Sicily is known for its rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Valley of the Temples and the Baroque cities of the Val di Noto. It remains a vibrant mix of cultures, reflecting its complex history of conquest and cohabitation.