Description
The island of Sicily has a long, diverse history. Modern narratives tend to focus on connections with the present-day state of Italy. However, at other times it was part of the Spanish Empire, Fatimid Caliphate, and even an independent kingdom. The island’s history reflects broader settlement patterns, political struggles, and religious upheaval which have come to define the Mediterranean as a whole. Matt Barbour provides an overview of Sicily, focusing on the role it played in the greater histories of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Matthew Barbour holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from UNM and works for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Currently, Barbour is the Deputy Director of New Mexico Historic Sites and the Interim Director of the Office of Archaeological Studies.