For some two centuries Syracuse was the most powerful city in the known world. This supremacy was challenged only by the Greeks, Etruscans, and Carthaginians, all of whom Syracuse defeated before succumbing to Rome.

Today, its old town, Ortygia, and the extensive archaeological zone, are essential stops on any Sicilian itinerary. Only the modern town, largely raised from the ruins of World War II bombing, is a disappointment.

For centuries the city enjoyed military, political, and artistic supremacy, producing or attracting some of the leading cultural names of the Greek world. Plato came here in around 397 BC to teach philosophy; Syracuse-born Archimedes worked as scientist and engineer; the lyric poet Pindar was employed as court writer; and the Greek playwright Aeschylus is believed to have written Prometheus Bound and Prometheus Unbound in the city.