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 exercise the functions of Metropolitan mayor, presiding over a Metropolitan Council formed by 24 mayors of municipalities within the Metro. The first Metropolitan Council of the City was elected on 5 October 2014: 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