Secile, Sesile, Sezile, Suzile, Suzille, Zezile
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot.” Sicily is separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina. Mount Etna, an active volcano, is the highest peak in Sicily and one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Italian folklore in the Middle Ages identified Avalon with Sicily and held that Arthur was resting inside Mount Etna (called Montegibel). This story is represented in Floriant et Florete.
In Claris et Laris, the island is ruled by King Calon, who joins Rome in a war against Arthur.
Sicily | 0 to 9th century AD
Roman Period | 3rd century BC – 5th century AD
Sicily became a Roman province after the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage. The Romans defeated the Carthaginians, who had controlled the island, and Sicily became a crucial part of the Roman Republic. During this period, Sicily flourished echonomically, and the Romans developed the island’s infrastructure, including roads and aqueducts.
Byzantine Period | 5th -9th centuries
In the fifth century, the Western Roman Empire collapsed, and Sicily came under the rule of the Germanic tribe, the Vandals. The Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, later recaptured Sicily in the sixth century under the command of general Belisarius. The Byzantines ruled Sicily for several centuries. During the Byzantine period, Sicily experienced both cultural and religious influences, and Christianity spread across the island.
Arab and Muslim Rule | 9th century
The history of Sicily took a significant turn in the ninth century when the island was invaded by Arab and North African Muslim forces. In 827, the Aghlabids, a Muslim dynasty based in North Africa, captured the city of Mazara and gradually expanded their control over the island. The Arab-Muslim rule lasted for several centuries and had a profound impact on Sicilian culture, architecture, and agriculture. The Arabs introduced new crops, irrigation techniques, and artistic influences.
See also
Dyane | The Legend of King Arthur
Italy | The Legend of King Arthur
Sources
Floriant et Florete | c. 1250–1275
Claris et Laris | 1268