Syracuse - HISTORY | CULTURE | TRADITION

Sicily, an island located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has a rich and complex history that dates back centuries. Syracuse was founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and became a polis of primary importance, recognized as one of the greatest metropolises of the ancient world. This period of cultural and intellectual flowering gave birth to illustrious figures such as Epicharmus and Archimedes, who contributed significantly to the philosophical and scientific thought of the time.

Sicily has also been home to influential names such as Aeschylus and Plato, whose works have had a lasting impact on Western literature and philosophy. The presence of such figures made the island a center of learning and innovation, attracting scholars and thinkers from across the ancient world.
In 212 BC, Sicily was conquered by the Romans, who made it the capital of their province. This new dominion led to further economic and cultural development, with the construction of infrastructure and the spread of the Latin language and culture. Sicily continued to prosper under Roman rule, becoming an important commercial and cultural hub in the Mediterranean.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, Sicily came under the control of the Byzantines, who maintained it as an important strategic center. Between 663 and 669, Sicily even became the capital of the Byzantine Empire, highlighting its geopolitical importance. However, the situation changed dramatically after the assassination of Emperor Constans II, marking the beginning of a period of instability and conflict.

In 878, Sicily was conquered by the Arabs, beginning a long decline. This period of Arab rule led to significant changes in the culture, architecture and agriculture of the island. Arab influences can still be seen today in Sicilian cuisine, gardens and agricultural techniques that were introduced during this period.
In short, the history of the city is characterized by a succession of dominations and cultural influences that have shaped its unique identity. From its Greek foundation to the Roman conquest, up to the Byzantine and Arab era, Syracuse has maintained a central role in the Mediterranean, contributing significantly to Western culture and civilization.

 

In 2005 the Syracuse area has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.