Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Catania

In February 2022, Mount Etna erupted with a volcanic thunderstorm. It wasn't a big eruption, but we decided to circle the mountain (by car). Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken in Sicily. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1238300

With a population of about 310.00 Catania is the second largest municipality in Sicily, after Palermo. It is located at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea. Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks. At the beginning of the First Punic War, it was conquered in 263 BC. occupied by the Romans. In 535 AD Belisarius conquered Catania, which had fallen into the hands of the Goths and which, under Byzantine rule, once again became one of the most important cities in Sicily. In the 9th century, Catania fell into the hands of the Arabs. In 1071, the Norman Roger I expelled the Arabs from Catania, installed a bishop here and founded a Benedictine monastery. In 1170, a severe earthquake destroyed almost the entire city. 1197 were the rebellious Sicilians before Catania by the army of Emperor Henry VI. struck, after which the city was largely destroyed. Emperor Frederick II also razed the renegade city to the ground and built the Ursino Castle there from 1239 to 1250. During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centers. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434. A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake. A lovely building although in dire need of some 'tender loving care'. I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken in Sicily. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1238300

With a population of about 310.00 Catania is the second largest municipality in Sicily, after Palermo. It is located at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea. Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks. At the beginning of the First Punic War, it was conquered in 263 BC. occupied by the Romans. In 535 AD Belisarius conquered Catania, which had fallen into the hands of the Goths and which, under Byzantine rule, once again became one of the most important cities in Sicily. In the 9th century, Catania fell into the hands of the Arabs. In 1071, the Norman Roger I expelled the Arabs from Catania, installed a bishop here and founded a Benedictine monastery. In 1170, a severe earthquake destroyed almost the entire city. 1197 were the rebellious Sicilians before Catania by the army of Emperor Henry VI. struck, after which the city was largely destroyed. Emperor Frederick II also razed the renegade city to the ground and built the Ursino Castle there from 1239 to 1250. During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centers. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434. A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake. The Catania Cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Etna. It was originally constructed in 1078 –1093, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Baths. At the time it was a fortified church. In 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, leaving only the apse area intact. Further damage was caused by a fire in 1169, but the most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style. The current appearance of the cathedral dates from the work in 1711 of Gian Battista Vaccarini, who designed a new Baroque façade after the 1693 earthquake. The dome dates from 1802. The bell tower was originally erected in 1387, with a height of some 70 meters. After the destruction of 1693, it was rebuilt. The wooden main door has this relief that probably depicts the "First Bath". I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken in Sicily. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1238300

With a population of about 310.00 Catania is the second largest municipality in Sicily, after Palermo. It is located at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea. Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks. At the beginning of the First Punic War, it was conquered in 263 BC. occupied by the Romans. In 535 AD Belisarius conquered Catania, which had fallen into the hands of the Goths and which, under Byzantine rule, once again became one of the most important cities in Sicily. In the 9th century, Catania fell into the hands of the Arabs. In 1071, Norman Roger I expelled the Arabs from Catania, installed a bishop here, and founded a Benedictine monastery. In 1170, a severe earthquake destroyed almost the entire city. 1197 were the rebellious Sicilians before Catania by the army of Emperor Henry VI. struck, after which the city was largely destroyed. Emperor Frederick II also razed the renegade city to the ground and built the Ursino Castle there from 1239 to 1250. During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic, and political centers. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434. A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake. The Catania Cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Etna. It was originally constructed in 1078 –1093, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Baths. At the time it was a fortified church. In 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, leaving only the apse area intact. Further damage was caused by a fire in 1169, but the most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style. The current appearance of the cathedral dates from the work in 1711 of Gian Battista Vaccarini, who designed a new Baroque façade after the 1693 earthquake. The dome dates from 1802. The bell tower was originally erected in 1387, with a height of some 70 meters. After the destruction of 1693, it was rebuilt. I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken in Sicily. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1238300

With a population of about 310.00 Catania is the second largest municipality in Sicily, after Palermo. It is located at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea. Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks. At the beginning of the First Punic War, it was conquered in 263 BC. occupied by the Romans. In 535 AD Belisarius conquered Catania, which had fallen into the hands of the Goths and which, under Byzantine rule, once again became one of the most important cities in Sicily. In the 9th century, Catania fell into the hands of the Arabs. In 1071, the Norman Roger I expelled the Arabs from Catania, installed a bishop here and founded a Benedictine monastery. In 1170, a severe earthquake destroyed almost the entire city. 1197 were the rebellious Sicilians before Catania by the army of Emperor Henry VI. struck, after which the city was largely destroyed. Emperor Frederick II also razed the renegade city to the ground and built the Ursino Castle there from 1239 to 1250. During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centers. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434. A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake. An evening walk to the kiosk I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken in Sicily. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1238300

Tabaccchis are very important meeting points in the neighbourhood. Here people not only find cigs, sweets and lottery tickets. The tourist pays the parking tickets here.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - In Roman times Catania had a large amphitheatre (capacity 16.000) and this smaller "teatro romano". It fell into decline the sixth and seventh centuries and got exploited to obtain modest dwellings from the early Middle Ages .

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The complex is home of important archeological finds. Pre-existing traces of Eneolithic and Greek age have been observed here. Between the first and the second century AD a vast thermal plant was built, which remained in use until the 6th century, when it got transformed into the church "Santa Maria della Rotonda"in the Byzantine era. From the ninth century on, a large cemetery area was built among the ruins of the baths. This was intensely used until the 16th century .

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The complex is home of important archeological finds. Pre-existing traces of Eneolithic and Greek age have been observed here. Between the first and the second century AD a vast thermal plant was built, which remained in use until the 6th century, when it got transformed into the church "Santa Maria della Rotonda"in the Byzantine era. From the ninth century on, a large cemetery area was built among the ruins of the baths. This was intensely used until the 16th century .

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - San Nicolò l'Arena was the abbey church of the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena. Originally, the Benedictines had built there a chapel and a monastery near the Mount Etna and lived there since the 12th century. An eruption forced them, to give up the location and to build the monastery in the centre of Catania from 1558 on. The monstery became one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. In 1669 the lava flow reached the monastery again and destroyed the church. After the 1693 earthquake, the monastery was severely damaged. The only floor that survived was the basement. In 1702 the rebuilding started and lasted until 1866 but was never finished. In 1977 the buildings of the monastery were given to the University of Catania.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - San Nicolò l'Arena was the abbey church of the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena. Originally, the Benedictines had built there a chapel and a monastery near the Mount Etna and lived there since the 12th century. An eruption forced them, to give up the location and to build the monastery in the centre of Catania from 1558 on. The monstery became one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. In 1669 the lava flow reached the monastery again and destroyed the church. After the 1693 earthquake, the monastery was severely damaged. The only floor that survived was the basement. In 1702 the rebuilding started and lasted until 1866 but was never finished. In 1977 the buildings of the monastery were given to the University of Catania.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The "Monastero della Santissima Trinità" was founded in the 15th century as a nunnery. It was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, that killed 28 of the 34 residing nuns. On account of its central position it was one of six convents that got rebuilt after the quake. Today the buildings host a high school and a police station.

John Nicholson´s scaring face from the horror-film "The Shining" (Stanley Kubrick, 1980) is loved by street artists worldwide.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The church of S. Giuseppe was built after the eruption of the Aetna in 1669 on the remains of the city wall of Catania. The walls had been covered by lava and the whole area was known as "Muro Rotto". Today the church seems to be a stronghold of Catholic traditionists, as the mass is celebrated here in "Rito Romano Antico".

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Castello Ursino was built between 1239 and 1250, on behalf of Emperor Frederick II. the rectangular castle was considered impregnable at the time. After Frederick II´s death 1250, his minor grandson Konradin (* 1252 in Germany) was unable to assert his claim to the Roman-German crown. In Sicily his uncle Manfred, an illegitimate son of Frederick, administered the kingdom until 1258, when he seized the dominion and the royal title himself. Manfred fell in a battle 1266 and lost the empire to Charles I of Anjou, who was favoured by the Pope. Then Konradin moved to Italy in 1267 at the request of the Ghibellines, whereupon Pope Clement IV banned him. Konradin´s armee was beaten in the Battle of Tagliacozzo. 16 year old Konradin was captured, taken to Palermo and beheaded on the Piazza del Mercato in Naples on 29 October 1268. This stabilzed Charles of Anjou´s power in Sicily but at Easter 1282 a rebellion broke out against his rule on the island, known as the "Sicilian Vespers". Within six weeks, approximately 13,000 French men and women were slain by the rebels, and the government of King Charles lost control of the island as the House of Aragon stepped in, what finally started War of the Sicilian Vespers. In 1295 the Parliament met in Castello Ursino and declared deposed James II of Aragon as King of Sicily, replacing him with Frederick III. The following year the castle captured by Robert of Anjou but was later again in Aragonese hands. The eruption of Etna in 1669 destroyed the city, but not the castle. The lava flowed around it and it has been several hundred metres inland ever since.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Only a very small part of the "Palazzo degli Elefanti" (aka "Palazzo Municipale") can be seen. The palace was built after the eruption of the Aetna (1669) and the 1693 earthquake. It was completed in 1735. In 1736 Giovan Battista Vaccarini, the architect of the palace, built this fountain decorated with an obelisk-bearing elephant, by now the landmark of the city of Catania. It remembers stronly to Bernini's elephants in Rome, but it is quite different. Vaccarini found the elephant, that dates back to Roman times, in the ruins of the destroyed city. The Egyptian obelisk was also found by chance. So Vaccarini equipped the elephant with a white marble saddlecloth and erected the obelisk on it. A cross was placed on the top as a symbol of Christianity to arm the city against further natural disasters.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The Catania Cathedral was originally constructed in 1078-1093 by order of Roger I, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Achillean Baths. Roger had just conquered the city from the Islamic emirate of Sicily. The building has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Mount Etna. Already in 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, further damage was caused by a fire in the same year. The most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in Baroque style. From the distance the cathedral´s large dome, completed in 1802, is visible.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - The Catania Cathedral was originally constructed in 1078-1093 by order of Roger I, on the ruins of the ancient Roman Achillean Baths. Roger had just conquered the city from the Islamic emirate of Sicily. The building has been destroyed and rebuilt several times because of earthquakes and eruptions of the nearby Mount Etna. Already in 1169 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, further damage was caused by a fire in the same year. The most catastrophic event was the 1693 earthquake, which again left it mostly in ruins. It was subsequently rebuilt in Baroque style.