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'''Sicily''' is an island in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], and is part of [[Italy]]. It is separated from the Italian mainland by the Straits of Messina; there are plans to build a bridge across the straits. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, with an area of 9,817 square miles (25,426 km<sup>2</sup>). The capital city is [[Palermo]]; other major centers include Catania, Siracusa ([[Syracuse]]), and Messina. The active volcano [[Mount Etna]] is in north-eastern Sicily.
'''Sicily''' is an island in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], and is part of [[Italy]]. It is separated from the Italian mainland by the Straits of Messina; there are plans to build a bridge across the straits. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, with an area of 9,817 square miles (25,426 km<sup>2</sup>). The capital city is [[Palermo]]; other major centers include Catania, Siracusa ([[Syracuse]]), and Messina. The active volcano [[Mount Etna]] is in north-eastern Sicily.
In ancient times it was the site of numerous important [[Greek colonies]], including [[Syracuse]], where [[Pythagoras]] lived. It's conquest by the [[Roman]]s 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 ancient times it was the site of numerous important Greek colonies, including [[Syracuse]], where [[Pythagoras]] lived. It's conquest by the [[Roman]]s 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 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 center of art and commerce - Norman rule was tolerant and made full use of its educated [[Muslim]] populace.
In the 10th century it was conquered by the [[Normans]] and became an important center of art and commerce - Norman rule was tolerant and made full use of its educated [[Muslim]] populace.