Palermo's History and Development

Founded by the Phoenicians in 736 BC, the city of Palermo takes its name from the Greek expression "all harbour." These Phoenician mariners of antiquity were renowned for their seafaring skills and were primarily focused on trade rather than territorial expansion. They concentrated on controlling strategically positioned ports to aid their navigation.

Initially acting as a stronghold for the Carthaginians, Palermo eventually came under Roman authority after the Carthaginians' defeat. The city was integrated into the Roman Empire and later became a part of the Byzantine Empire, maintaining this status for over a thousand years.

Between 827 and 1071, Palermo was subjected to Arab dominance during the Emirate of Sicily, a period that elevated its status to that of a capital city. This signaled the commencement of a new chapter for Palermo, leading to a rapid transformation into an impressive urban center reminiscent of the grandeur of Cordoba and Cairo. With the city's expansion came the emergence of new districts, including the fortified coastal area known as the Kalsa and the emir's residence.

Following the Norman reconquest, Palermo was designated as the capital of the newly established Kingdom of Sicily (1130 to 1816), later merging with the Realm of Naples to form the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, a union that persisted until the Italian unification in 1860.

Under the rule of Roger II, Palermo, now the capital of the flourishing Norman realm, experienced a period of great wealth and luxury. It became a central hub for trade between the Eastern and Western worlds, attracting nobles, traders, and adventurers who were captivated by the allure of the prosperous city and its splendid court.
Palermo's History and Development