Sicily and encouraged the growth of smallholdings, undermining the dominance of the latifundia. The Arabs further improved irrigation systems. The language spoken in Sicily under Arab rule was Siculo-Arabic and Arabic influence is still present in some Sicilian words today. Although the language is extinct in Sicily, it has developed into what is now the Maltese language on the islands of Malta today. A description of Palermo was given by Ibn Hawqal, an Arab merchant who visited Sicily in 950. A walled suburb, called the Al-Kasr (the palace), is the centre of Palermo to this day, with the great Friday mosque
Euphemius (Sicily) While he was away, however, the Emperor Michael II the Amorian sent a letter ordering his demotion and punishment. Euphemius learned of this while returning to Sicily with his fleet. Euphemios, supported by the fleet, thereupon resolved to revolt. He was proclaimed by the fleet crews as emperor, and sailed for the capital of Sicily, Syracuse, which was quickly captured. The "patrikios" Constantine was either absent from the city or fled inland at his approach, but soon gathered an army and attacked him. Euphemius won, and forced the governor to seek refuge in Catana. When Euphemius sent his forces against