Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily

Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily

In this episode, we dive into a personal story that kicks off with a Christmas party invitation and an unexpected wardrobe choice — a kilt. From this quirky start, we delve into the historical significance of Sicily, a land that has shaped centuries of Mediterranean history.

The episode takes us on a journey from the ancient Carthaginian and Greek settlements to the present day, with a special focus on Palermo, Catania, and Messina. We hear about the Normans, the Arabs, and the rise of the Roman Empire in Sicily. Along the way, we uncover the island's rich cultural layers, including its enduring connection to mafia resistance, the tragic story of Giuseppe Impastato, and heroes like Falcone and Borsellino who fought to bring justice to Sicily.

In the second half of the episode, we explore the stunning beauty of Sicily's landscapes from Mount Etna, its picturesque coastline, and its ancient Greek ruins.


Then of course there are the local wines, like this eof the Donna Fugata winery and the 100 passi, which embody Sicily's resilience and spirit.


Finally, we hear about Explore Worldwide’s immersive tours of the island, including family-friendly adventures and activities like zip-lining, sea kayaking, and visiting archaeological gems like Giardini Naxos and Siracusa.


Key highlights:



  • Sicilian ancestry and the influence of Scottish heritage.


  • The island's multicultural past: from Carthage to Greek colonization.


  • Catania, Messina, and the legendary Mount Etna.


  • Anti-mafia heroes, and community resilience.


  • The importance of local wine and sustainable tourism with Explore Worldwide.




If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sicily, this episode will inspire you to explore its timeless beauty, history, and culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating regions — packed with legends, landscapes, and a true sense of adventure!


Takeaway: Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a wine lover, Sicily offers something for everyone. Tune in for an unforgettable journey into one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands!




Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!

Jaksot(288)

107 – An unexpected king

107 – An unexpected king

While everyone (the Pope, the king of France, Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence etc.) is manoeuvring in northern Italy along comes an unexpected king, John of Luxembourg, king of Bohemia. Will he be able to unite the northern cities?

12 Tammi 202119min

106 – An imperial tour of Italy (1327-1329)

106 – An imperial tour of Italy (1327-1329)

We follow the descent into Italy of Holy Roman Emperor Luis IV to visit with the Visconti in Milan, the Dalla Scala in Verona, the Este of Ferrara, the Castracani in Lucca and the Gonzaga in Mantua. At the same time we see the struggle between emperor and pope and get a reminder fo the situation in Naples and Sicily.

5 Tammi 202122min

105 – The battle of the Bucket (1325)

105 – The battle of the Bucket (1325)

We take a look at the 1325 battle of Zappolino between Modena and her Ghibelline allies and Bologna and her Guelph ones and how, after one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the Iyaian middle ages, the Modenese cam home with a bucket (and heaps of cash).

23 Joulu 202026min

104 – The last Sardinian Judicate (1323-1326)

104 – The last Sardinian Judicate (1323-1326)

After a quick recap of what was going on around Italy in 1323, we get to the Aragonese invasion of Sardinia that put a definitive end to the presence of the Republic of Pisa on the island leaving the Judicate of Arborea as the last of the old four Judicates surrounded by the new "Kingdom of Sardinia"

15 Joulu 202022min

103 – Catching up with Genoa (up to 1310's)

103 – Catching up with Genoa (up to 1310's)

It's about time we stop ignoring poor old Genoa up in the top left-hand corner of the country and bring her up-to-date. We take a really quick race from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to Genoa in the 14th century: it's battles against Saracens, Pisans and Venitians as it fights to assert itself as a powerful maritime republic.

8 Joulu 202020min

102 – Venice kicks off its 14th century (up to 1310's)

102 – Venice kicks off its 14th century (up to 1310's)

We go back to one of our favorite destinations: Venice, which we last left at the start of the 13th century to bring the maritime republic up to the 14th. We see some crazy laws as the republic move more and more to an oligarchy and has bit of trouble as the 14th starts up, especially with the pope.

1 Joulu 202017min

The first great MEGA-RECAP launch

The first great MEGA-RECAP launch

After 100 episodes you might want a general overview of the story so far from 476 - 1310: The emperors, the naughty popes and who got a word stuck in which orifice. All of the things you may have forgotten in this over one hour episode that sums up the first 800+ years of "A History of Italy".Available ad-free to Patreon supporters and those who make a recommended $5.00 donation on Paypal. Head over to our Patreon page or get in touch to get a hold of the episode!

28 Marras 20203min

101 – The many paths to communal demise (up to early 1300's)

101 – The many paths to communal demise (up to early 1300's)

As we really dig into the 14th century, we look at an overview of the different ways in which the communes turned into the signorie, cities and groups of cities ruled over by a single hereditary ruler.

17 Marras 202021min

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