Syracuse, Sicily Sicily until it fell to the Aghlabids after another siege on 20/21 May 878. During the two centuries of Muslim rule, the capital of the Emirate of Sicily was moved from Syracuse to Palermo. The Cathedral was converted into a mosque and the quarter on the Ortygia island was gradually rebuilt along Islamic styles. The city, nevertheless, maintained important trade relationships, and housed a relatively flourishing cultural and artistic life: several Arab poets, including Ibn Hamdis, the most important Sicilian Arab poet of the 12th century, flourished in the city. In 1038, the Byzantine general George Maniakes reconquered the city,
Felicia of Sicily Felicia of Sicily Felicia of Sicily (c. 1078 – c. 1102) is a name that is used for one Queen consort of Hungary. She was the eldest daughter of Count Roger I of Sicily and his second wife, Eremburga of Mortain. She is also called Busilla, but this name is a misunderstanding of the ancient Italian word ""pucelle"" meaning "virgin". Coloman, King of Hungary sent his envoys to her father's court to propose marriage to her in 1096, but the Count of Sicily did not qualify the envoys illustrious enough and refused the offer. The second mission of the King