Famous people in Sicily
Home of many important personalities
Due to its geographical location between East and West, Sicily has always been a melting pot of different cultures. From the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, through the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Staufer and French, to the Spanish, Austrians and Italians - many different peoples and nations ruled over the Mediterranean island. Many of them have brought their culture, art and knowledge to Sicily which inspired the indigenous people and gave birth to many interesting personalities.
Scientists, philosophers and artists
One of the oldest and most famous Sicilian scientists is the mathematician Archimedes from Syracuse (287 - 212 BC), who made many great and important discoveries in mathematics and physics. Famous painters like Antonello da Messina (1430 - 1479) and Renato Guttuso (1912 - 1987) were born here as well as the famous musician and composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801 - 1835).
Politicians and statesmen
Some of the most famous men in history were native Sicilians. Foremost among these are Dionysius I of Syracuse (430-367 BC), Roger II (1095-1154) Norman King of Sicily and the German Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (1194 - 1250). Prominent politicians in recent history include Domenico Caracciolo (1711 - 1789), Viceroy of Sicily, and the political free spirit, Leoluca Orlando (born in 1947), who was, as a mayor of Palermo and carrier of the Goethe Medal, the hope of the anti-mafia alliance for a long time.
Writers and literati
Above everyone else, some of the most famous writers and literati of Italy were born in Sicily. Among the most noteworthy are Luigi Pirandello (1867 - 1936), Salvatore Quasimodo (1901 - 1968), Leonardo Sciasia (1921 - 1989), Giuseppe Tomasi of Lampedusa (1896 - 1957) and, of course, Giovanni Verga (1840 -1922). They all helped to create a very special reputation for Sicily in the literary world.
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