Syracuse summary

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Below is the article summary. For the full article, see Syracuse.

Syracuse, Italian Siracusa ancient Syracusae, Seaport city (pop., 2001 prelim.: 121,000), eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Founded in 734 bc by Greeks from Corinth, it was seized by Hippocrates of Gela in 485 bc and ruled by tyrants until a revolution established a democratic government c. 465 bc. In 413 bc, during the Peloponnesian War, Syracuse defeated an Athenian invasion force. Under the rule of Dionysius I the Elder (405–367 bc), it became the most powerful of the Greek cities, fighting three wars against rival Carthage. Syracuse fell to Rome in 211 bc. It was sacked by Frankish invaders in ad 280 and captured by Arabs in 878; its importance waned in medieval times. Now the commercial centre for an agricultural district, it also supports the fishing and tourist industries. It has many examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as Greek and Roman ruins. It is the birthplace of Theocritus and Archimedes.

Sicily Summary

Sicily, island, southern Italy, the largest and one of the most densely populated islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Together with the Egadi, Lipari, Pelagie, and Panteleria islands, Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy. It lies about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Tunisia (northern Africa).

Italy Summary

Italy, country of south-central Europe, occupying a peninsula that juts deep into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy comprises some of the most varied and scenic landscapes on Earth and is often described as a country shaped like a boot. At its broad top stand the Alps, which are among the world’s most