Timeline

3,000 Years of History

From ancient Greek temples to Norman cathedrals, from Arab gardens to Baroque cities — explore the most conquered island on Earth.

Years of History

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Civilizations

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UNESCO Sites

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Through the Ages

Historical Timeline

Three millennia of conquerors, creators, and cultures.

264 — 241 BC

First Punic War

Rome and Carthage clashed over Sicily. After decades of war, the island became Rome’s first overseas province — its great granary.

827 — 1091 AD

Arab Emirate

North African Muslims transformed Palermo into a glittering capital. Agriculture, science, and architecture flourished under Islamic rule.

1282 AD

Sicilian Vespers

A bloody uprising against French Angevin rule sparked a revolution. The rebellion led to Aragonese Spanish control that lasted centuries.

1860 AD

Garibaldi's Landing

The Expedition of the Thousand landed at Marsala, using Sicily as the springboard for Italian unification. A new chapter began.

8th Century BC

Greek Colonization

Naxos, the first Greek colony, founded 734 BC. Syracuse, Agrigento, Gela, and Selinunte followed, making Sicily the jewel of Magna Graecia.

535 — 827 AD

Byzantine Rule

Constantinople’s reach extended to Sicily. Greek language and Eastern Christianity flourished as the island became a Byzantine stronghold.

1130 — 1194 AD

Norman Golden Age

King Roger II created Europe’s most tolerant kingdom. The Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral blended Arab, Byzantine, and Latin art.

1693 AD

The Great Earthquake

A devastating quake destroyed southeastern Sicily. From the ruins rose the extraordinary Baroque cities of Val di Noto — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.