Sicily: Difference between revisions
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Greek colonists began founding settlements during the eighth century BC. Their cities developed mainly along the eastern and southern coasts, with Syracuse becoming the strongest Greek power on the island. Western Sicily remained contested between the Greek cities and Carthage.<ref name="ionian-history"/> | Greek colonists began founding settlements during the eighth century BC. Their cities developed mainly along the eastern and southern coasts, with Syracuse becoming the strongest Greek power on the island. Western Sicily remained contested between the Greek cities and Carthage.<ref name="ionian-history"/> | ||
Rome conquered Sicily during the | Rome conquered Sicily during the First Punic War and organized it as its first province outside the Italian Peninsula. The island became an important source of grain for the Roman state. Its ports also connected Italy with North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. | ||
After western Roman control ended, the island passed through short periods of Vandal and Ostrogothic rule. The Byzantine Empire recovered Sicily during the sixth century. Muslim forces began their conquest in 827 and controlled most of the island by the early tenth century. Palermo became the capital of the Emirate of Sicily and expanded as a commercial centre.<ref name="palermo-history"/> | After western Roman control ended, the island passed through short periods of Vandal and Ostrogothic rule. The Byzantine Empire recovered Sicily during the sixth century. Muslim forces began their conquest in 827 and controlled most of the island by the early tenth century. Palermo became the capital of the Emirate of Sicily and expanded as a commercial centre.<ref name="palermo-history"/> | ||