Agrigento

In 828, Agrigento fell to Arab forces during the Arab-Byzantine wars over control of Sicily. This event marked the beginning of the Muslim rule in Agrigento, which lasted for over 200 years. Under the Arabs, Agrigento (known as Kerkent) became an important administrative and agricultural center. The Arab influence is still visible today in the architecture and agricultural techniques that persist in the region.

The Normans, led by Roger I, captured Agrigento in 1087 during their conquest of Sicily from Arab rulers. This conquest was part of the gradual re-Christianization of Sicily, as the Normans re-established Christian rule and introduced Norman culture and feudal systems. Agrigento emerged as a significant city during Norman rule, marking another evolution in the cultural and political landscape of Sicily.

On June 15, 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi landed at Marsala in Sicily, initiating the campaign that would unify Italy. Agrigento, along with other Sicilian cities, was a crucial part of this campaign, contributing to the eventual annexation of Sicily into the Kingdom of Italy. The event marked a critical juncture in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification, combining efforts across the Italian peninsula.

On April 12, 1927, the Province of Agrigento was officially established as part of the reorganization of territorial divisions in Italy. This political move defined Agrigento's role and administrative boundaries in Italy's governmental structure. Over time, the province has been central to managing regional issues, including agricultural development, historical preservation, and tourism, especially related to its archaeological sites.

In 210 BC, during the Second Punic War, the city of Akragas was conquered by Roman forces. Under the Roman Republic, Akragas, now known as Agrigentum, served as an important Roman outpost and continued to flourish under Roman rule. The city's strategic location in Sicily made it a focal point during Roman campaigns in the region, and its integration into the Roman Empire signified a notable shift in power dynamics on the island.

In 406 BC, the prosperous Greek city-state of Akragas fell to Carthaginian forces led by Himilco. The Carthaginians besieged Akragas, employing a large army and war elephants, eventually capturing and sacking the city. The fall of Akragas was a significant event in the series of conflicts known as the Sicilian Wars, which involved Greek and Carthaginian powers vying for control over Sicily.

The ancient city of Akragas, known today as Agrigento, was founded around 580 BC by Greek colonists from Gela and Rhodes. The city was established on a plateau overlooking the sea, providing strategic defensibility and economic advantages from agriculture and trade. Akragas quickly prospered and became one of the wealthiest and most influential cities of Magna Graecia, noted for its architectural and cultural achievements, including the famed Valley of the Temples.

In 1997, the archaeological site known as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the site's remarkable preservation and its outstanding historical and cultural significance. The Valley of the Temples is home to several well-preserved ancient Greek temples and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sicily, representing a significant achievement in cultural preservation.

On July 9, 2000, a severe earthquake struck parts of Sicily, including the province of Agrigento. The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in several towns, leading to concerns about seismic safety and preservation of historic structures. In the aftermath, extensive efforts were made to reinforce buildings and protect Agrigento's archaeological and historical sites from further seismic risk.

The "Valley of the Temples Road Mapping Project" launched on June 1, 2007, aimed at protecting the archaeological park from urban encroachment. This project was pivotal in enhancing accessibility and visitor management while preserving the integrity of this historic site, striving to balance modern needs with archaeological conservation. The project has played an essential role in safeguarding the Valley of the Temples for future generations.