Catania is a city on the east coast of Sicily. It is the second-largest city in Sicily and the tenth-largest city in Italy. It has been a prosperous port city for much of its history and is now a popular tourist destination. But what was Catania known as in ancient Rome? This article will provide an answer to this question and explore the history of Catania during the Roman era.
The earliest recorded mention of Catania dates back to the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest cities in Sicily. The city was founded by a group of Siceliote Greeks and was then known as Katane. The city was later conquered by the Romans in 263 BC, who renamed it Catina. Catina was then incorporated as a municipium under the Roman Empire, and in the 1st century BC, it became the second largest city in Sicily after Syracuse.
The city was a key port in the Roman era, serving as a trading hub for goods shipped to Italy and overseas. Catina exported wheat, olives, wines and salted goods as well as manufactured goods such as ceramics and pottery. The city was also a major center for Roman military operations, playing an important role in the Second Punic War and the Third Servile War.
Catina was known by several other names during its time under Roman rule. In the 3rd century BC, the Romans renamed Catina to Aetna, derived from the nearby volcano. It was then known as Catanaitis in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, Catanensis in the 5th century AD and Catinensis in the 6th century AD. The name Catana was used until the 10th century AD, when the Normans changed it to Catania.
Catania played an important role in the history of Sicily, particularly during the Roman period. The city was a major trading port and military center, and it was also the site of several major historic events, such as Julius Caesar’s breach of the walls of Catina during the Third Servile War. Catania was also an influential cultural center, with renowned writers and philosophers such as Plato, Cicero and Dionysius of Halicarnassus calling the city home.
Today, Catania is no longer a Roman city, but it still retains its strong cultural identity. With its narrow winding streets, cobblestone piazzas and picturesque churches, Catania is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history and its many Roman-era monuments and archaeological sites, giving insight into the city’s past as a major Roman port. Despite its turbulent history, Catania has survived the centuries to become a thriving modern city.
Religion
Religion played an important role in the daily life of Roman Catania. The city was home to several temples dedicated to the Roman gods, and the surrounding countryside includes important sites associated with the worship of the mother goddess Cybele, such as a 4th-century temple and several other religious sites.
The city was also the site of the Praetorium and the Tribal Citadel, two important Roman military installations, as well as the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Heracles and the Temple of Diana. These religious sites were all important symbols of the city’s Roman identity and all remain standing to this day.
The Roman Catholic church also has a strong presence in Catania, with several ancient churches located in the city, including the Church of San Giuliano, the Church of Santa Agata and the Church of San Benedetto. These churches provide a fascinating insight into Catania’s continuing Roman heritage.
Architecture
Catania’s Roman heritage is also evident in its architecture. The city is renowned for its ornate baroque buildings and piazzas, many of which retain their original Roman structures. Examples of this include the Teatro Massimo Bellini, the Teatro dei Saltimbanchi and the Teatro Marcello, all of which are built on the foundations of grand Roman theatres.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Catania is another important example of the city’s Roman architecture. The cathedral was built in the 12th century on the foundation of the Temple of Zeus, which was the city’s main temple in ancient Roman times. The cathedral also has a spectacular coffered ceiling, which is said to be one of the most meaningful examples of baroque art in the world.
In addition to its ornate baroque buildings, Catania has a number of important Roman monuments. These include the Roman Amphitheater, which was built in the 1st century BC and is the only one of its kind in Sicily, and the Church of San Niccolò l’Arena, a 16th-century church built on the site of a Roman arena.
Economy
Catania was an important economic center during the Roman era. The city was the port of call for maritime trade between Italy and its colonies in North Africa, and was also a major center for agriculture, fishing, wine production and the production of wool and linen.
In addition to its role as a trading hub, the city was also a key financial center. Banking and moneylending were prominent activities, as were slave trading and the export of fine goods such as textiles and ceramics. The Catanese coins minted in the 3rd century BC, known as Munitiari Catanesi, remain a symbol of the city’s economic importance during the Roman era.
Today, Catania remains an important economic hub, with a thriving tourism industry and a busy port. Agriculture and fishing are still major parts of the city’s economy, and the bustling offices of numerous banks and financial institutions are a testament to its continued importance as a financial center.
Culture
Catania has a long history of cultural and recreational activities. The Romans built grand monuments and impressive theatres for entertainment and civic events, and the city also had a long tradition of festivals and performances, including chariot races, theatre productions and duels.
The Roman gods were also integral to the city’s culture. The gods were worshipped throughout Catania and nearby towns, with festivals and processions held in their honor. There were also several temples dedicated to the gods, including the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Aphrodite, which remain standing to this day.
Today, Catania is known for its vibrant street life, music and culture. The city has a lively nightlife, with outdoor cafes and bars, and a thriving art and music scene. Catania also hosts several annual festivals and events, such as the Festa della Città and the Catania Music Festival, which draw visitors from around the world.
Cuisine
Catania’s Roman heritage has also had a profound influence on its cuisine. Fish, poultry and cured meats were a staple of the Roman diet, and many of these dishes can still be found in the city today. Pasta alla Norma, a dish of pasta with fried eggplant, salted ricotta cheese and tomato sauce, is a local favorite, as is the seafood dish Alici al forno alla Catanese. Sweets, such as the historic mustaccioli cookies, are also popular.
Catania is also known for its rich coffee culture. Espresso, cappuccino and macchiato are all popular choices, as are flavored coffees such as cannella, a coffee with cinnamon and sugar, and caffè shakerato, an iced coffee drink.
Wine is also popular in Catania, with the city’s location in the fertile lands of Sicily offering a diverse selection of wines. Nero d’Avola, a red wine from the heights of Mount Etna, is the most widely produced, but Catania is also known for its white wines such as Grillo and Zibibbo.
Conclusion
Catania has a rich and colorful history that dates back to the days of ancient Rome. The city has retained its Roman identity, exemplified in its religious sites, architectural landmarks and traditional cuisine. These aspects of Catania culture provide a fascinating and unique glimpse into the city’s past, and they make Catania an ideal destination for those looking to explore the roots of Roman culture.
