History Of Sicily

With its strategic location between Africa and Europe, Sicily has deservedly earned its reputation as a melting pot of the ancient world. Its rich multicultural heritage can be seen in the island’s unique mix of art and architecture as well as in the diverse physical characteristics of its inhabitants.

The Greeks

Although the Phoenicians arrived earlier, the Greeks were the first major civilisation to truly leave their mark on Sicily. Beginning around 750 BC, they colonised the southern part of Italy and all of Sicily, establishing Syracuse, Messina and Selinus. In time this region, known then as Greater Greece, had more Greeks and Greek temples than Greece itself. They introduced olives and grape vines to this fertile island, which provided profitable trading.

The Romans

When Syracuse fell during the Second Punic War in 211 BC, Sicily began its life under Roman rule, which lasted for the next 500 years. Under the Romans, Sicily prospered, but the natural resources of the island were seriously depleted. The forests were cut for shipbuilding and the fields became the ‘breadbasket of Rome’. For the first time, Sicily experienced widespread corruption from its local rulers.

Arab rule

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Sicily was invaded by Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines and finally by the Saracens. In 832 AD, the Arabs conquered Palermo and established their capital there, turning this city into one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. The Arabs brought order, advanced irrigation and introduced oranges and lemons for commercial trade.

The Norman conquest

Eventually, the Arabs were displaced by the Norman conquest, which lasted from 1060 to 1091. Roger de Hautville took the island and was the first of a long dynasty of rulers. To their credit, the Normans adopted the Arabic and Byzantine systems, architecture and crafts which were already in place. The result was a splendid fusion of styles, which has left its mark on the art and buildings of Sicily.

Roger’s son was crowed the first king of Sicily in 1130 and with the full support of Pope Innocent II, he ruled over much of Southern Italy. Roger II’s realm was the wealthiest of its time and reached its zenith when his descendent, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, assumed the throne in 1198. This enlightened king oversaw Sicily’s Golden Age, but as he had no offspring, the island was sold to the King of England by the Pope upon his death.

Spanish rule

In 1282, Sicily fell under Spanish rule. Over the next 400 years, the island was isolated from Italy, plundered for its resources and ruled by a corrupt and ineffective local government run by the church and noblemen. The birth of the Mafia can be traced back to the 16th century, when Sicilians adopted a code of silence (omerta) to defend themselves against papal prosecution. The people of Sicily continued to be oppressed by foreign powers until 1861, when the forces of Garibaldi took Sicily and made it part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Contemporary times

After Sicily became part of the Italian fold, the island continued to be neglected by Italy’s central government. Economic and social problems progressed unabated, leading to mass migrations by the island’s population to the Americas between 1830 and 1930. Even after the Allies liberated Sicily in 1943, the island continued to be hindered by widespread corruption, which continues to this day. On the brighter side, the people of Sicily have begun to take a renewed interest in their rich ancestry. Increased steps have been taken in recent years to preserve the unique artistic and cultural heritage, as Sicilians seek to embrace the potential for tourism. The island has some of Europe’s greatest treasures, which have helped to put Sicily back on the map as an important historical location.