The city of Messina, located in the northeastern corner of Sicily, has a long and storied history that dates back to the 8th century BC. From its founding by Greek settlers to its role as a strategic port during World War II, Messina has played a significant role in the history of Italy and beyond.
Founding of Messina
Messina was founded by Greek settlers in the 8th century BC. It was originally called Zancle, which means “scythe” in Greek, a reference to the shape of the natural harbor. The city was an important port for the Greeks and later the Romans, who called it Messana.
In the 4th century BC, Messana was conquered by the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I, and it eventually became part of the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, Messana was an important port and a major trading center.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Messina was a major port and an important trading post for the Byzantine Empire. It was also a center of learning, with many scholars and theologians coming to the city to study.
In 1060, Messina was captured by the Normans, who made it the capital of their new Kingdom of Sicily. The city flourished during the Norman period, and it became an important center of trade and culture.
The Modern Era
In the 18th century, Messina was a major port for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The city was an important trading center for the region, and it was also a major naval base for the kingdom.
In the 19th century, Messina was an important port for the Italian Navy. It was also an important industrial center, with many factories producing goods such as textiles, tobacco, and paper.
During World War II, Messina was an important port for the Allied forces. It was a major supply base for the Allied forces in the Mediterranean, and it was also used as a staging area for the invasion of Sicily in 1943.
Today, Messina is a major port and industrial center. It is also a popular tourist destination, with many attractions such as the Messina Cathedral and the Messina Museum.