Piazza Duomo - Siracusa
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SYRACUSE

In 734 BC, some Greeks coming from Corinth, guided by Archia, settled on the Island of Ortigia, founding Syracuse, coming from a nearby swamp called Syraka. But the Greeks had to drive away other inhabitants who were present from the 15th Century BC, probably Siculi.

The City became the second Greek colony of Sicily and immediately enjoyed a period of commercial development, so much so, that in a short time they founded a further three colonies: Akrai in 664, Casmene in 643 and Camarina in 598.
During the 6th Century, social clashes ignited between the Gamoroi, descendants from the first colonies and landowners, and the Killichirioi, the poorer classes. The latter managed to drive away the nobles, but intervention by Gelone, tyrant of Gela (485 BC), re-established ancient social order and allowed Gelone to become the tyrant of Syracuse. Under his governing, the City grew and developed outside the Island of Ortigia. After only 5 years, there was a clash between the Carthaginians and the Greeks, who won over the first mentioned in the Battle of Imera (480 BC). To commemorate the Battle, a Temple of the goddess Athena was erected in Ortigia, transformed in modern times to today’s Cathedral.

Ierone, Gelone’s brother, came to power in 478 BC, and defeated the Etruscans in 474 BC, in the waters of Cuma, stopping their expansion towards the South.
His brother Trasibulo, who succeeded him, only governed for one year (465 BC), as he was driven away by the population for his violent politics. Later on a democracy was established.
In 416 BC, due to events linked to the Peloponnesian War, Athens moved their war to Syracuse. The antecedent fact was the clash between Segesta, a Athenian ally, and Selinunte, allied to Syracuse, and in turn, allied to Sparta, therefore adverse to Athens. The siege lasted 3 years and when Syracuse was about to give up, it received help from the Spartan troops of Gilippo, who defeated the Athenians and condemned the survivors to hard labour in the Latomie or stone caves of Syracuse.
In 405 BC, Dionysius I came to power, who, after stipulating peace with the Carthaginians, fortified the Island of Ortigia and erected a 22km wall around the City, and also erected the fortress around the Eurìalo Castle. In 397 BC, after having conquered Catania 6 years earlier, Dionysius I resumed hostilities and defeated the Carthaginians in 392 BC, therefore succeeding in the initiation of expansionist politics in Sicily and as sponsor of the arts: Platone was often a guest in the City.

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