Sicily's First Settlers!

On this episode of You, Me & Sicily we explore some of Sicily first inhabitants and settlers. The indigenous people of Sicily were calle Sicels, Sicans and Elymians. The Phoenicians were also here before the Greeks came in 734 BC to Giardini Naxos. They quickly made their way south to and founded the important city of Siracusa.The Carthaginians mostly settled in the Western part. The Romans came next. We speak to historian and Sicilian language professor Gaetano Cipolla about Sicily's first occupants and what they brought to the island.
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[@YouMeandSicily]

More from Professor Cipolla and what it means to be a Sicilian in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Caq3mOds6Berc

[@leonoranorman8273]

Professors Cipolla was my professor at St John University! I was blessed to have him and he increased my love for my beloved Sicily from where my famiglia comes . Thank you

[@MrJruta]

As an American of Sicilian descent (Pozzallo) this is amazing information. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit my grandfathers home where he grew up, It was an incredible experience. Thank you.

[@OstasHs]

Very enlightening presentation of beautiful Sicily! Just an observation, near the end the lady speaker meant to say "Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire", but referred to it as "Western".

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you for pointing that out!

[@louisdimauro9798]

This episode is clearly spectacular and my favorite to date!!! Being 100% Sicilian, but born in the USA, it has always intrigued me to better understand the foundation of my Sicilian heritage!!! Viva Sicilia!!! Thank you Ester and Alfred for this!!! Auguri!!!🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@EszterVajda]

So happy you liked it many more to come !

[@nicolehernandez2837]

Thank you. I loved this. My paternal Grandparents were born in Sicily and migrated to USA. Can't wait to watch & learn more about my heritage. ❤

[@thomaszaccone3960]

Sicily was once part of the Spanish Empire.

[@damianscardamaglia7857]

This is a wonderful tour through history. This explains my Greek heritage in my dna lol .Thank you !!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Our pleasure!

[@janetjd]

Informative and effective summary of Sicily's early history. It is under-appreciated as a 'pivot point' in European history. A proud heritage indeed.

[@EszterVajda]

Thank you so much!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Totally agree @Paul!

[@nellamessina3689]

Thankyou Alfred for your informative youtube videos of Sicily with your friend. I am Sicilan background, as my parents (deceased) came out to Australia in early 1950s. I have been watching your videos last few weeks and love seeing the sights and street food. This video was intersting as it shows the Greek influence and colonisation from Greece. I went with my parents to Sicily as an 11 year old in 1981 for 2 and a1/2 months. My parents are from the Catania provence. My dad is from Muscali and mum is from Trepundi, like part of Giarre, along the coast. I met relatives and remember going to Taormina, Messina, Zaffarana, Mt Etna, Siragusa and many places, I had a beautiful time and have fond memories including going to a wedding of my Cousin (dad's nephew) who is a garibieneri and he is the head one in Taormina. I am fortunate my surname is Messina (Nella Messina). My parents names were Leonardo and Rosa Messina. My mother passed away on 21-10-2010. My Mum's maiden name is Zappala, so I wonder if we are related Alfred? I am proud of my Sicilan heritage and love your videos. I am an artist, card designer and fashion illustrater, I love the mosaics, in video, and would love to see more art, ceramics and fashion if you can show in other videos as I would love to understand and learn about the art culture also. Keep up the great work, and to help preserve our Sicilan heritage and cultural background no matter where we live around the world. Ciao and God bless you both. Cheers from, Nella Messina, from Victoria, Australia🙋😃😘

[@thesicilianeaglevideojourn654]

Lovely message! Maybe you will return someday! My name...Zappala..is as common as the name Smith ! Lots of Zappalas!

[@nellamessina3689]

Alfred Zappala Thanks Alfred, was not aware Zappala is a common surname. Yes would love to go to Sicily, as most of my relatives are over there. Some of my relatives have come to visit in Australia. Unfortunately airline tickets are very expensive in Australia to travel to Europe. Will get there one day, in the mean time I have to contend with watching your youtube videos. 😃

[@thesicilianeaglevideojourn654]

@@nellamessina3689 Enjoy!

[@claudemontalbano3381]

The Phoenicians found only some branches near the West coast and were chased out by the Greeks

[@mariabedda6153]

I’m binge watching your videos as I cook. This video is so important and full of our amazing heritage history! ❤️

[@YouMeandSicily]

Auguri!!

[@manitheman0806]

Alfred...please more historical shows......with professors or scholars....thank you

[@YouMeandSicily]

We have Professor Cipolla on the Aab occupation too but we haven't edited it..

[@manitheman0806]

@@YouMeandSicily i met Professor Cipolla.. he has an abundance of knowledge when it comes to Sicily.....doing an hour or 2 hours interview would mind-blowing....he's a Sicilian think tank

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@manitheman0806 He is my publisher and dear friend .

[@EszterVajda]

For sure we will!

[@johnfranchina84]

Please do one on the impact of the Normans to Sicilian language and culture

[@camillecastorina9225]

Superb!🌟🥂🍾🧨🌋🏆🥇

[@EszterVajda]

THANK YOU !

[@Meira750]

Great job, Eszter

[@craigandbethdamanti7637]

Enjoyed your recitation of the poem at the end. Merry Christmas!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you ! Merry Christmas !

[@tonynapoli5549]

Thanks for sharing great video 👍

[@lydiadinoto3010]

Loved your show today! It was very informative and fun to watch!! Thank you! 🥰

[@YouMeandSicily]

GRAZIE!

[@karenmilitello9884]

Thank you...loved it!!

[@sherrycatanese4312]

Love the way you fleshed out the history of this beautiful country. We just visiting October and are excited to return one day!

[@EszterVajda]

Thank you ! Arab/ Norman episode coming soon!

[@DinoRomano]

One of your best episodes to date.

[@EszterVajda]

Thank you Dino!!!

[@darrenlesueur4785]

well everyone has an opinion about who lived on this island but one thing is for sure this was a strategic islands and many groups of people wanted it and live here at one time or another.

[@tinameschko]

Wow! Fascinating!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you !

[@spideraxis]

Really enjoyed this. Of Sicilian descent, my family from Provincia di Messina, I was there many years ago. An island full of history, archeology, charm and pretty good food.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

My maternal grandparents came from Provinicia Messina, Lipari

[@eunicee-maikey3440]

Ciao BELLA ITALIA..... Family and Friends! Thank You so much for such a AMAZING Video..... WOW We llllllove HISTORY.... our GREAT-GRAND-Dad Frank was from Sicily! What a beautiful story! Please keep INSPIRING the WORLD! (****) " Santa Lucia (Remastered)" ~ Andrea Bocelli (****) "Explore a Ghost Town in Southern Italy | National Geographic" ~ National Geographic (****) "So Live Your Life - Chief Tecumseh (A Native American Poem) ~RedFrost Motivation (****) " Natural Wonders in Italy" ~ Explore Your Trip Have a Wonderful and Productive Day! Respectfully, E-Maikey and Friends

[@ginam.p.4129]

Incredibly informative

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you !

[@ninaruhland8358]

A great history lesson!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you !

[@thomaszaccone3960]

Very interesting. I love ancient history, the further back the better. One of the Sea Peoples who invaded Pharionic Egypt, the Shekelesh, were thought to be Sikels.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Did not know about the invasion. Thank you for sharing !

[@lisalovelylpa]

This is a very nice video , I read about a lot of things in my life , never Sicily , even though my great grandpa was born and died in Sicily.

[@EszterVajda]

Thank you Lisa ! We also do private and group tours of Sicily . If you ever want to return to your ancestral home we can help. Email me [e-mail]

[@andriacolonna8264]

@@EszterVajda I might be going to visit my relives this summer in Sicily.Btw I love what you guys are doing, it’s amazing and I love your channel!

[@EszterVajda]

@@andriacolonna8264 Thank you! Where is your family from in Sicily?

[@andriacolonna8264]

@@EszterVajda trappeto, a small sea side village out side palermo. It’s right next to Terrasini

[@user-zt7tw5mz6w]

I am watching from Bangladesh, I like your videos very much, Sicily is my favorite country.

[@tomdichiazza9669]

There is also a Greek amphitheatre in Eraclea Minoa (Cattolica Eraclea).

[@carlamannon4974]

would love to know more about the indigenous peoples before the settlers. BTW my paternal grandparents are from Lipari and Poggioreale. I was raised with that influence but there is a lot i dont know. I am on the continent that was colonised/settled/invaded called australia but i am indigenous on my maternal side

[@YouMeandSicily]

We will have another episode for sure!

[@carlamannon4974]

@@YouMeandSicily that is good news

[@dustinhood1511]

Eastern Roman Empire. The only correction I can make off hand. Now, if I could just move back to Catania. :D

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thanks Dustin! Good catch!

[@MarinheiroMuculmano]

Nice video. I would add two caveats. First, ancient Hellenes identified with their city-states, not Greece. That would be an anachronism. Famous Greco-Sicilians were undoubtedly Hellenic and felt a bound with other Hellenic city-states. This did not prevent them from decimating each other and allowing for their eventual conquest by outsiders. Second, the Roman conquest and occupation was largely negative for the island. It was essentially treated as a place to strip of all useful resources. Little effort was put into continuing the heritage of social/technological advancements started by Syracuse. It wasn't until the Arabs conquered the island that technology, education, and competent governance were reintroduced.

[@EszterVajda]

Agreed on all !

[@manitheman0806]

well said!!!!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Good points!

[@thomaszaccone3960]

The Vandals didn't help.

[@DJBassBoomBottom]

Funny how both early settlers from the north and the Romans didn't treat the local Sicilians too well, seems like history does repeat.

[@sedoniadragotta8323]

I'm sicilian and I have Nigerian dna cos the Nigerians also moved into sicily at some point .

[@YouMeandSicily]

100% correct !

[@esti-od1mz]

That is not true at all. Some ancestry companies put small percentage of subsaharan DNA in theie results, simply because humanity came from Africa.

[@manitheman0806]

THey never did...

[@michaelinguanti8580]

I know my dad tells me El.giovani do sicilia

[@nikolablagojevic253]

The professor said that Sicani people were indo european people. Were there any people before IE tribes, like Western hunter gatherers and Early Neolithic farmers?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Probably! There are many theories on that

[@zoe1baby]

My dad’s father was from Sicily and migrated to America and had my dad of course and so I am wondering what am I? Am I Sicilian or am I Greek? And my mother was Italian so I am sort of confused I think of a hodgepodge of races

[@valentinalobello1174]

zoe1baby you’re American. With ancestors from Italy and Sicily.

[@kaialeo1320]

Do a 23andme! Sicilian genetics are a mixed bag of possibilities. I thoroughly enjoy dissecting the heritage from my Sicilian ancestors . So diverse ! But if you’re curious that’s the best way to go about it .

[@phillipgalioto9609]

@@valentinalobello1174 Sicily is not a nation, it is part of Italy

[@luxio369]

We must distinguish citizenship from nationality. For intellectual honesty I warn you that there are many opinions but for me citizenship, which can be acquired, is different from nationality, which is transmitted jure sanguinis. Your citizenship is American, your nationality is Italo-Sicilian; in the past, however, nationality was transmitted only in a male line, in this case so you are Sicilian. P. S.: Italy is the only country where you can claim citizenship no matter which of your male ancestors was Italian, in fact in this case we say that your blood carries the nationality. P. P. S.: Sicily was an independent kingdom until 1816, subsequently together with Naples it became the Kingdom of two Sicilies until 1861; since 1861 legally only Italian citizenship exists. However there is much debate as to whether Sicily can be considered as a nation (which implies nationality) in its own right (like Sardinia) or whether it is to be considered part of Italy. In my opinion Sicily ≠ Italy, but unfortunately this question is still seen as political today, so it will be difficult to find objective and apolitical facts.

[@Iliasgv21]

Remember the majority of Greeks in the ancient world once lived in the south of Italy that was called greater Greece, Magna Grecia. People don’t understand that this was as Greece as it was Peloponnese. Saying I am from Syracuse it was as if you say I am from Athens or Sparta. This professor effort to say Archimedes was Sicilian as if it was different from being Greek, is at least naive

[@YouMeandSicily]

Interesting point. However Archimedes was born, lived and died in the territory that was known under Magna Grecia as Sikelia: Sicily.

[@papochkaalex2915]

@@YouMeandSicily The Italians have been stealing Greek culture for 2500 thousand years, we are used to it, now they have Archimedes not a Greek but a Sicilian yeah funny, another theft

[@4outsidehelp]

Hannibal 🎉

[@michaelinguanti8580]

Hi

[@caesarillion]

Was there no Minoan Sicily? No evidence?

[@YouMeandSicily]

YES !!!

[@caesarillion]

@@YouMeandSicily Yes there is no evidence?? Yes there is? Where and what please? Sicily is Atlantis??

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@caesarillion especially in Agrigento!

[@EszterVajda]

YES !!!

[@ed8377]

Good show however Phoenicians didn't originate in what was later known as Palestine, rather Judea. & Hannibal, although did rampage thru Italy for 20 years, never entered Rome.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Correct but Hannibal did come through Sicily.

[@palermotrapani9067]

@@YouMeandSicily I don't think that is historically accurate. Hannibal went into Iberia, which was under Carthaginian control. Lots of his army were Iberian mercenaries and subjects since they new the territory along with Gauls from France along with forces from North Africa (Tunisian-Libyan Phoenician/Carthaginians) who were largely the Calvary forces, some of course handled the Elephants (some 37 in his army). Most of His elephants were the smaller Northern ones, vs larger ones from the interior of Africa although there is evidence that Hannibal acquired some Asian Elephants from India (His elephant I think was from Asia). Hannibal led his army from Modern Spain into France and invaded Northern Italy. The first engagement between Hannibal and Roman forces in Italy took place near modern Pavia in Lombardy in Northern Italy. The 2nd engagement with Roman forces took place in what is the modern region of Emilia. The last battle between Hannibal and Rome in Italy was in Puglia. The final battles of the 2nd Punic War took place in what is Modern Tunisia where Hannibal was finally defeated.

[@YouMeandSicily]

If you enjoy our work please consider helping us on our GoFundMe campaign so we can continue bringing you videos from Sicily. Grazie mille: gofund.me/0d298d09

[@andriacolonna8264]

My 100 percent Sicilian from near palermo. but my dna is only southern Italian/ Greek and west Asian/North African

[@YouMeandSicily]

That makes sense! The Greeks and North Africans were here for centuries !

[@andriacolonna8264]

@@YouMeandSicily it’s sad that we were forced out of this land do to political and economic situations. We are a land of beauty but also a land of struggle. My parents left when they were just children. But I visit all the time and i will never forget my roots. I have alot of connection to the land of my ancestors, they have worked that soil for thousands of years. I’m blessed for the life I have here in the USA but I won’t forget the people before me, I have a blessed life today because of them.. So we don’t have to dwell over the sadness or struggle but we don’t forget where we come from. I want more people who come to travel to Sicily to know our story but also know that we are strong, resilient ,solid good people.

[@jackiethomas249]

I’m 🧬 DNA connected to the Sicani people.

[@mryonan5865]

The Phoenicians were first settlers before the Greeks.

[@YouMeandSicily]

@Stacil correct! We mentioned in video. There have been too many settlers we are just focusing on some!

[@esti-od1mz]

Nope. After them, and only in small settlements

[@nacerabari]

Always forgetting the Moors smh, most sicilians have a small percentage of north african(Amazigh and Arab) as well as western african(Bantu) dna!!

[@YouMeandSicily]

We refer to them always. Saracens, muslims etc. Profoundly important

[@nacerabari]

@@YouMeandSicily thanks for the clarification :)

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@nacerabari we will do an episode on Saracens and Normans soon!

[@destroycommunism8078]

Bantu? 😂 No. Sicilians are not black Africans

[@palermotrapani9067]

First off excellent video, well done. I am an American of Sicilian ancestry., 100% whose ancestors immigrated to the USA between 1890 and 1903 from rural regions of Trapani, Palermo and Agrigento. My comments are directed at some of the typical pseudo science that you get on videos about Sicily from some commenters (not the video which was excellent). As for the Muslim invasion in 9th century, the term Moors has no ethnic or linguistic meaning for there has never been a country called “Moor” or Moorish language. Western Christendom referred to Moors to mean peoples from the Maghreb from Morocco to Persia, which encompassed many distinct ethnic groups. The one common denominator was religion (Islam). As for Sicily, it was the Abbasid Caliphate based in Syria that invaded Sicily thru its Emir based in Northern Tunisia. The leader of the Army that invaded Sicily was Asad ibn Al-Farat, who was from what is modern Harran, Turkey. The Army that invaded Sicily ranged from Tunisia to Persia and Modern Turkey. These Muslims were referred to as Saracens. Lots of DNA studies on Italy and Sicily. Two important papers I recommend all Americans of Sicilian ancestry, all of Italian ancestry to read, and individuals not of Italian ancestry interested in legitimate DNA science research. 1) Sazzini et al 2016 is among the the most comprehensive studies and is linked below. Figure 2 is the really neat analysis. This study used a comprehensive sample from all of Italy and numerous other samples to measure within DNA clustering of Italians and how they cluster with populations outside of Italy. The results indicate 4 clusters 1)Sicily-Southern Italian Cluster (Sicily to Campagnia) a 2) Central Italian Cluster (Lazio-Rome, Tuscany, etc) and 3)Northern Italian cluster and 4) Sardinia. Because one Central Italian province (Aquila) clusters closer to Southern Italy, Central Italy is actually a little closer to the South than North, but you see that the 3 Italian clusters from Sicily to the North all Cluster right next to each other. Sardinia, since it is almost exclusively Early European Farmer ancestry from the Neolithic period clusters next to Southern Italy-Sicily and Central Italy, but by itself. Otzi the Iceman clusters in this area. Outside of Italy, Southern Italians and Central Italians closest cluster are the Greeks. Northern Italians closest cluster are the Spaniards and French. Note, No Italian population clusters with Northern Europeans like Swedes or Norwegians, not even Germans. If you look to the left of figure 2, you see the peoples of the Levant, North African/Berbers and people from the Southern Caucus cluster along that line. The people of Cyprus form an intermediate cluster between the peoples of the Levant (Palestinians, Syrians, Jordianians, Lebanese) and Morrocans and Southern Italy. Moving up to the right, you see Russians and Fins clustering on the other end. All the other European peoples cluster together between the Italian clusters (which again, all cluster together), then Spain and French and the Fins on the other end. In addition Figure 3 provides an admixture graph with Blue representing Middle East and North African_Amazigh, very little in Italy, about 4.6% in Southern Italy with most of that in Sicily so 4% about on average. No Bantu ancestry www.nature.com/articles/srep32513 2)y Raveane et al. (2019). Figure 2 provides the really neat analysis, Sicily like all Italians have the major ancestries that all Europeans share. The most common one is the Early European Farmer DNA (ANE, Ancient Anatolian, in Yellow). In fact, the paper notes that all Italian regions have predomiante Early European Ancestry from Anatolia ranging from 56% (South Italy 1) to 72% (North Italy 4). Sicily is somewhere in the middle of that range. The Western Hunter Gather (WHG, Brown color code) and Ancient North Eurasian from The Eastern Hunter Gatherer (EHG, Blue and Caucus Hunter Gather, CHG in Green). Southern Italy and Sicily have another ancient DNA from the Southern Caucus region called Iranian Neolithic (Black color code). The Pink color code shows a small amount of North African DNA consistent with what Sazzini et al 2016 documented, 4-4.5% on average, again No Bantu advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/9/eaaw349 In summary, Sicilians cluster with other Southern Italian regions (Campania, Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata) and are Southern European clustering very close to Southern Balkan Populations, Greece first and foremost.

[@lotfidebbarh351]

Carthage is nort Africa so Sicilian are full of north african blood

[@YouMeandSicily]

Correct

[@palermotrapani9067]

DNA research shows not true, about 4 to 4.5% on average of North African/Middle East DNA. See two papers in major Science Research journals that I linked in a post above that provide extensive genetic analysis of Italian populations from all regions, Sicily included. Regards.

[@manitheman0806]

@@palermotrapani9067 Fantastic assement as always....Thank you for clarifying....

[@esti-od1mz]

Nope. The northafrican genes are negligible. And northafricans are not punic.

[@GeoBBB123]

Pfft. The Siceliots (Sicelian Greeks) were very consciously Greek.

[@pietro1961]

Great! Thank you!