This website exists for all Sicilians (and lovers of Sicily) to come together as a community to share the true history, culture, achievements, and memories of our Sicilian ancestors.
Discover the truth. 3,000 years of it.
For too long, the story of Sicily and its people have been told by her oppressors. For centuries the aristocratic classes, and later the Mafia bosses, were eager to portray Sicilians as a superstitious, uncivilized, violent people, living by their own perverted moral code. By belittling and dehumanizing the Sicilian people, the rich and powerful minority could legitimize the economic exploitation and dehumanizing abuses that they inflicted upon them. In more modern times these slanderous past lies about Sicilians have been perpetuated and amplified by the worldwide media and entertainment industries, which have profited from their glorified portrayals of the criminal activities and lifestyle of the Mafia.
This Sicilian Odyssey website exists to change that. We are a space dedicated to all Sicilians, all lovers of Sicily, and all people interested to learn the truth about one of the most misunderstood and maligned peoples in human history. The purpose of this site is to present, protect, and preserve, the authentic heritage and culture of the Sicilian people, by sharing more than 3,000 years of the little-known history of the island of Sicily. This is where we Sicilians take back our history and our good name. This is where our real story begins.
many nations.
HISTORY
Real History
of Sicily
treasures
Sicilian Odyssey: An Illustrated History of Sicily
This book presents the most complete illustrated history of Sicily available in the English language. It contains 27 chapters, spanning nearly 3,000 years of recorded history, from the island’s earliest inhabitants to present day. Over 77 historical maps and hundreds of images supplement the remarkable narrative history of the island, bringing to life the story of its people. While there have been scores of books published about the sensationalized criminal activities of the Mafia, the real stories of the trials, the suffering, and the victory of the Sicilian people over their oppressors have been overlooked and neglected…until now.
This book belongs on the shelf of all persons of Sicilian descent, who yearn to understand the true history of their ancestors, and also desire to pass the truth of their cultural heritage to future generations.
3,000 Years. Numerous Dynasties. One Island.
Each era shaped Sicily. None ever fully conquered her spirit.
Before the Greeks ever set foot on Sicily, three distinct peoples already called this island home. Their story is the first story of Sicily — and it is the foundation of everything that came after.
For nearly five centuries, Sicily was the jewel of the Greek world. Syracuse rivaled Athens. Akragas rivaled everything.
Rome’s first overseas province. Its granary. Its training ground for empire — and its first great injustice against the Sicilian people.
Constantinople’s distant hand ruled Sicily for nearly four centuries. Greek-speaking. Eastern-facing. And gradually forgotten by its rulers.
Palermo became one of the most magnificent cities on earth. Agriculture was revolutionized. Science and learning flourished. Religious tolerance was enacted. And for two centuries, Sicily was one of the brightest lights of the medieval world.
The richest, most culturally advanced, and most enlightened kingdom in medieval Europe. Built by the descendants of Vikings on the foundations of the Greeks and Arabs.
Emperor Frederick II dazzled the world from Palermo. Then came the French. And then came the Vespers.
Four centuries under Spain. Centuries of neglect, exploitation, and inquisition — followed by its Baroque rebirth after the great Sicilian earthquake of 1693.
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The Revolutions of 1848. A people pushed past breaking — and finally, past fear.
Garibaldi landed at Marsala. Millions emigrated. Falcone and Borsellino gave their lives. Sicily rises.
Author in his hometown church in Santa Teresa di Riva, Sicily
MEET THE AUTHOR
Born in Sicily. Raised in the U.S. He has devoted many years to learning about his Sicilian history and heritage.
Joseph Sturiale is a retired banking professional, and lifelong history enthusiast who spent decades researching the authentic story of his ancestral homeland. Born in Sicily and raised in the U.S., he is a product of both worlds. What began as a desire to write a private family history expanded into a mission: to present, protect, and preserve the true story and heritage of his Sicilian ancestors for the generations to follow.
What’s Your Sicilian Story?
Every Sicilian family carries many stories of their past: of villages and relatives left behind; a hazardous boat crossing; perhaps followed by a long internment at Ellis Island; a grandfather’s courage and sacrifices; a grandmother’s love and recipes; and a language now mostly forgotten. These stories are our collective inheritance — and they deserve to be remembered and retold.
Join our brand-new community of Sicilian history, culture, and heritage enthusiasts. Find and connect with other Sicilians who share your passions, or originated from a common ancestral hometown. Preserve your family’s history and legacy for your children and for theirs.
Stories, History & Heritage
Fresh perspectives on Sicilian history, culture, and identity — from the author and the community.
Stay Connected
Receive stories, newly discovered history, travel insights, and community updates directly from the author and from fellow followers of the Sicilian Odyssey website. Be part of the generation that remembers the past and preserves our cherished Sicilian family stories and culture for future generations.
