City
Siracusis
Siracusa · Syracuse
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Syracuse, founded by Greek settlers in 735 BC, came under Roman rule in 212 BC, and the early Greek geographer Hecataeus already called it the greatest city of Sicily. Augustus made it a Roman colony, though it never regained its former importance. Its ancient circuit was larger than that of Rome and enclosed two harbours, a great one and a small one. Modern Siracusa in Italy covers only a small part of the old city, which has left many impressive remains. Out in the sea nearby, the map adds a harbour name, Portus Tragecynus, which may belong to Syracuse.