This document provides a summary of the history and culture of Sicily. It discusses how the ancient Greeks established cities in Sicily like Syracuse and left important archaeological sites. It then discusses how the Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others conquered Sicily over time, each group influencing Sicilian culture. It provides examples of how these influences can be seen today from Roman villas to Arabic irrigation techniques. The document concludes by describing Sicilian cuisine and wines which have been influenced by Greek, Spanish, Arab, and other cultures over the centuries.

3. NORMAN TOURNAMENT

7. Our school is in the centre of Sicily and it
makes part of ENNA province

10. History of Sicily
 The ancient Greeks realised the potential of the fertile
plains of Sicily and built the new city states of Magna
Graecia in Sicily. Great ancient Greek cities like
Syracuse can be found in Sicily and it was there that
Archimedes had his eureka moment. All around the
southern coast of Sicily are important arcaeological
and UNESCO world Heritage sites, so if you want to
see some of the best Greek Temples or Greek
theatres come to Sicily.

13. AIDONE and its
Goddess

14. MORGANTINA

15. Greek theatre in Taormina

16. History of sicily
 The Carthaginians also realised the potential of Sicily and
came into conflict with both the Greeks and later the
Romans who occupied Sicily in 143 BC. Many of the Punic
wars between the Romans and Carthaginians took place
off the shores of Sicily and despite the incredible efforts of
Hannibal crossing the Alps into Italy, they eventually lost.
 The Romans developed Sicily into a grain production
island. Huge estates produced wheat that was handed out
to the citizens of Rome.
 Sicilian Romans grew rich and the extent of their wealth
can be seen today at the ruins of Villa romana del Casale,
in Piazza Armerina.

17. Villa romana 4th century A.D.
Piazza Armerina

18. The villa
 The Roman villa is in the heart
of Sicily and was at the centre
of a huge latifondium ,
agricultural estate around the
4th century AD. The site was
excavated in the 1960s to
reveal the largest Roman
mosaics site yet found. The
mosaics of the villa are both
large and sumptuous
depicting hunting scenes , wild
animals from Africa, scenes
from the Circus and the
famous Bikini Girls , Roman
women exercising in bikini
style dress.
 In 827 it was conquered by
Islamic berbers and Arabs. The
Arabic influences are still visible
in Sicily today. The Arabs were
skilled at irrigation and brought
exotic fruits such as lemons to
Sicily.
 The value and skill of islamic
Sicilians was realised in 1030
when Sicily was conquered by
normans. Rather than expelling
the arabs the Normans let them
stay. Under Roger II Sicily
became not only a tolerant
kingdom where christians,Jew
and muslims lived in peace
together but also a major centre
of Culture. The Norman kings
embraced Muslim culture as can
be seen in the Palatine Palace

22. The Sicilian cuisine
 The Sicilian cuisine has a
long tradition for being full
of flavors which were
brought to Sicily by the
many people that crossed
this beautiful land: Greek,
Spanish, Arabs,
Africans,etc. Today we can
enjoy many dishes that
have hints of those cultures
but that have been
perfected by the Sicilian
people.
 Come to Sicily and
enjoy the traditional
Sicilian Cuisine of
our Nonne!

26. Sicily is the oldest Italian and western location where
pasta was part of the local cuisine after being worked
into long and thin forms, dating back to around the
12°th century,
Pasta con le sarde (with sardines) and pasta alla
norma are the most popular pasta dishes typically
Sicilian.
The drink most often served with the main meal is
wine.
The soil and climate in Sicily are ideal for growing
grapes , mainly due to Mount Etna , and a wine-
making tradition on the island has existed since the
Greeks first set up colonies on the island . Today all
Sicilian provinces produce wine by modern methods
establishing on the European wine market.

28. According to legend it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who
brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.
Different kinds of white and red wines are produced
and exported all over the world.
Marsala, Passito di Pantelleria, Malvasia di Lipari,
Moscato di Noto e Pantelleria,Salaparuta, Alcamo,
Zibibbo are some famous names and, as the many
international prizes won by sicilian producers confirm,
a new generation of producers are realising the full
potential of the island’s climate and its fertile soil.