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New page: '''Sicily''' is a large island off the southern coast of Italy. In ancient times it was the site of numerous important Greek colonies, including Syracuse, where Pythagoras...
'''Sicily''' is a large island off the southern coast of [[Italy]].
In ancient times it was the site of numerous important [[Greek colonies]], including [[Syracuse]], where [[Pythagoras]] lived. It's conquest by the [[Romans]] resulted in its adoption of the [[Latin]] language, from which its current language is descended - opinion is divided as to whether [[Sicilian]] is a dialect of [[Italian]], or sufficiently distinct to be a separate language.
In the ninth century, it was conquered from the [[Byzantine Empire]] by the [[Fatimids]] - soon it became an independent kingdom under the [[Kalbid]] dynasty.
In the 10th century it was conquered by the [[Normans]] and became an important centre of art and commerce - Norman rule was tolerant and made full use of its educated [[Muslim]] populace.
In ancient times it was the site of numerous important [[Greek colonies]], including [[Syracuse]], where [[Pythagoras]] lived. It's conquest by the [[Romans]] resulted in its adoption of the [[Latin]] language, from which its current language is descended - opinion is divided as to whether [[Sicilian]] is a dialect of [[Italian]], or sufficiently distinct to be a separate language.
In the ninth century, it was conquered from the [[Byzantine Empire]] by the [[Fatimids]] - soon it became an independent kingdom under the [[Kalbid]] dynasty.
In the 10th century it was conquered by the [[Normans]] and became an important centre of art and commerce - Norman rule was tolerant and made full use of its educated [[Muslim]] populace.