Syracuse

Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is a city on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy.

Founded in the 8th century BC by Greek settlers from Corinth, calling it Sirako ("swamp"), it was subsequently a major power and home to the tyrant Dionysius and the great scientist and inventor Archimedes.

Archimedes put his scientific discoveries to practical use in the development of various machines, notably the Archimedean screw and various military engines that were used to resist the invading Romans for three years. The city nonetheless fell to Roman forces in 212 BC. A siege in AD 878 inaugurated two centuries of Muslim rule.

Syracuse has about 125,000 inhabitants and numerous attractions for the visitor interested in historical sites. Nearby places worth visiting include Catania, Noto, Modica[?] and Ragusa.