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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 sq km). The capital city is [[Palermo]]; other major centres 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 sq km). 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 [[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 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 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 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 13th century it was conquered by [[Aragon]], and was thereafter ruled by various [[Hapsburg]] dynasties until its unification in 1734 with the [[Bourbon]] dynasty of [[Naples]].

In the 13th century it was conquered by [[Aragon]], and was thereafter ruled by various [[Hapsburg]] dynasties until its unification in 1734 with the [[Bourbon]] dynasty of [[Naples]].