Syracuse
Summary
The largest and wealthiest Greek city in Sicily, where Paul stopped for three days during his voyage to Rome.
☩Location and Greatness
Syracuse was situated on the east coast of Sicily, about midway between Catania and the southeastern extremity of the island. In its splendor, it was the largest and richest city the Greeks possessed anywhere in the world, measuring twenty-two miles in circumference. Founded as a Corinthian colony in 734 BC, it grew to rival Carthage and successfully defied Athens at the height of her power.
☩Paul's Visit
After surviving shipwreck on Malta (Melita), Paul and his companions sailed to Syracuse in an Alexandrian grain ship and remained there three days, waiting for favorable winds. The city's excellent harbor and the famous fountain Arethusa, which provided abundant fresh water, made it a natural stopping point for ships traveling between Africa and Italy.
☩Cultural Significance
Syracuse was renowned not only for wealth but for culture. At the courts of its kings gathered men of letters such as Pindar and Aeschylus. Cicero called it 'the greatest of Greek cities and the most beautiful of all cities.' The splendid natural site was adorned with magnificent buildings, including the enormous theater that still survives.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Syracuse," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Syracuse," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Syracuse," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).