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Nature and Biodiversity in Italy
- Bob Sorrentino
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Mountains of Sicily
Experience a journey of contrasts in Central-Southern Italy, where the vibrant pulse of ancient
cities meets the quiet, sun-drenched rhythms of the rustic interior. This is a land where you can wake up to the lively chaos of a Neapolitan market and fall asleep in a rural setting in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Rest each night in a resort-style hotel rather than hotel hopping. Enjoy easy access to a large swimming pool to cool off from the summer heat, preparing you for the next day of enticing La Dolce Vita excursions, or simply relax and stay put.
Look for details on these Phil~Italy Summer 2026 trips on our website www.philitaly.co and in the next newsletter issue in a couple of weeks.
Who Were The First Sicilians?
Archaeological evidence shows that people were living in Sicily as early as 10,000 BC, possibly arriving by sea from Western and Central Europe. Cave drawings at Addaura near Palermo (c. 8000 BC) and copper tools from 3000 BC reveal an island inhabited long before recorded history.
By the second millennium BC, three main peoples lived on the island: the Elymians, Sicani, and Siculi (Sicels)—from whom Sicily takes its name. Modern research suggests the Sicani were native to Sicily, while the Siculi arrived later (1200–1000 BC) from southern Italy and were related to early Italic peoples whose languages eventually led toward Latin.
The Elymians, centered in western Sicily, may have had eastern Mediterranean roots and show Phoenician and Assyrian influence. By 1100 BC, the Phoenicians founded settlements such as Palermo (Panormos) and Motya near Marsala, later controlled by Carthage.
These early peoples laid the foundation for Sicily’s rich cultural identity—an ancient blend of native traditions and Mediterranean influences that still shapes Sicilian heritage today.
Plan your trip to Italy. Text or email Phil to arrange a 30-minute introductory appointment at +1.917.523.9068 cell/WhatsApp - philitaly100@gmail.com
“We highly recommend you dine in these very authentic Italian and Sicilian Restaurants”
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