Free Talk: The Ancient Greeks and Sicily

Get a taste of what to expect at the Hellenic Museum Summer School 2025, in a free talk presented by Summer School lecturer Dr Christopher Gribbin. Located at the centre of the Mediterranean and blessed with fertile land, Sicily was a coveted prize for many ancient Greeks. They started settling on the island in the 8th century BCE, establishing colonies that would become some of the richest cities in the ancient Greek world. However, the Greeks were not the only ones on the island. Sicily also appealed to the Phoenicians, who set up their own colonies on the west side of the island. In addition, there was a population of native Sicilians who were there before both the Greeks and Phoenicians. Join Chris at this free talk, where he will explore some of the key archaeological sites of ancient Sicily, what they tell us about life in ancient Sicily, and the relationships between Greeks, Phoenicians and natives on the island. Delivered in person at the Hellenic Museum, or online via Zoom.