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,
Metropolitan City of Rome Capital Metropolitan City of Rome Capital Metropolitan City of Rome Capital () is metropolitan city in the Lazio region, Italy. Comprises the Rome and suburbs - 120 other municipalities ("comuni"). With more than 4.3 millions inhabitants, it is the largest metropolitan city in Italy. It replaced the Province of Rome. It was firstly created by the reform of local authorities (Law 142/1990) and then established by the Law 56/2014. It has been officially operative since 1 January 2015. The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital is headed by the Metropolitan Mayor ("Sindaco metropolitano") and by the Metropolitan Council ("Consiglio metropolitano"). Since 20