Sicily – The Conquered Isle

From ancient times to the modern era the Mediterranean Sea has been a battleground between waring empires and dynasties.

These conflicts have often focused on its most southernmost islands – such as Crete and Malta.

But one island in particular has been at the centre of many great events, contests and invasions – the island of Sicily

Because the invaders always came from the sea the defenders built mighty fortifications on mountain tops across this rugged isle and they are still here today

Sicily has not only had a unique location at the trading crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Europe. But it also possesses a rich and fertile landscape given to producing vast quantities of food – particularly grain

Combined these factors has given it an equally unique and rich story and culture which we explore in these programs

Thousands of years later the two coasts of Sicily and their capitals are still distinctive – Palermo with its later Arabic and Norman influence -And in the east at the base of Mt Etna, are built Catania and nearby the fabulous Greek founded city of Syracuse.

Sicily today remains different from the rest of Italy – its population are more mixed and its traditions unique – a true crossroads of customs and cultures.

One-hour Eps 

Episode 1 – Crossroads

Explores Sicily’s ancient past when it was the bread basket of the ancient and then medieval world and as such, occupied by Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians Arabs and Normans

Episode 2 – Borderlands

Examines the island’s role on the frontlines of a clash of civilisations during the Spanish era, when its glorious baroque buildings were also created. Then Sicily’s role in the unification of Italy, led to the coming of the mafia

Half hour Eps

Episode 1 – Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans

Greeks, Romans and Carthaginians had occupied Sicily for almost 1,000 years leaving behind magnificent monuments

Episode 2 – Byzantines, Arabs and the Norman Conquest

As the Roman Empire collapses in the west, its eastern arm becomes the Byzantine Empire., embraces Christianity and takes control of Sicily before Arabs from North Africa invade and create a dynasty that lasts nearly 300 years.

Episode 3 – The Norman Kingdom

Under the Normans, Sicily becomes a multi-cultural kingdom embracing its Byzantine and Arab past while becoming the richest kingdom in the medieval Europe.

Episode 4 – European Battleground

As Norman rule collapses Sicily descends into a bloody civil war as the great dynasties and powers of Europe compete to become the next great kingdom of Sicily.

Episode 5 – Unification, Mafia and Beyond

After 1500 years of division, Italy is unified bringing with it a movement that would define its identity for the next century – the Mafia.