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Syracusa's District of
Island of Ortygia
[CityBuilder: Decius Aemilius]
Ortygia is an island located on the eastern end of the city of Syracusa, separated from the main island by a narrow channel. It was the site of the initial settlement of the city when it was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth. Today it is called the Old City; it is about a mile long and half again as wide.
In Greek mythology the island of Ortygia was where Leto went to give birth, and there she had one of her twins – Artemis, who was born first. Artemis then helped her across the ocean to the island of Delos, where Leto delivered Apollo.
The deepest excavations have revealed that Siculi inhabitants worshipped their deities on Ortygia; during the 5th century BC the Greeks built a temple to Athena over that location, and the present cathedral incorporates architectural fragments from that 5th century BC temple. This Greek temple was spoken of in revered tones by the people of the Mediterranean. From miles away sailors could see the golden statue of Athena shining like a beacon. Twenty-six of the temple's Doric columns are still in place.
Ortygia was the location of the citadel of Dionysius I when he took complete power as Tyrant of Syracusa, circa 404-3 BC, presumably on or near the site of Castello Maniace on the southern tip of Ortygia island. The castle was built by Frederick II (1194-1250) and is now an army barracks.
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