Syracuse, March 2005

I admit, the cat was cute. The Roman amphitheatre, of Roman Imperial age [in Syracuse, Sicily]. It was partly carved out from the rock. In the centre of the area is a rectangular space which was used for the scenic machinery. Text from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Italy

I admit, the cat was cute. The Roman amphitheatre, of Roman Imperial age [in Syracuse, Sicily]. It was partly carved out from the rock. In the centre of the area is a rectangular space which was used for the scenic machinery. Text from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Italy

The Ear of Dionysius (Italian: Orecchio di Dionisio) is an artificial limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill in the city of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily in Italy. Its name comes from its similarity in shape to the human ear. The Ear of Dionysius was most likely formed out of an old limestone quarry. It is 23 metres high and extends 65 metres back into the cliff. Horizontally it bends in an approximate 's' shape; vertically it is tapered at the top like a teardrop. Because of its shape the Ear has extremely good acoustics, making even a small sound resonate throughout the cave. The name of the cave was coined in 1586 by the painter Caravaggio. It refers to the tyrant Dionysius I of Syracuse. According to legend (possibly one created by Caravaggio), Dionysius used the cave as a prison for political dissidents, and by means of the perfect acoustics eavesdropped on the plans and secrets of his captives. Another more gruesome legend claims that Dionysius carved the cave in its shape so that it would amplify the screams of prisoners being tortured in it. Because of its reputation for acoustic flawlessness, the Ear of Dionysius has also come to refer to a type of ear trumpet that has a flexible tube. The term 'Ear of Dionysius' can also refer to surveillance, specifically that for political gain. Text from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_of_Dionysius

Lemon trees in bloom fill an ancient stone quarry in Neapolis, the "New City" of ancient Syracuse in Sicily. Near the theatre are the latomìe, stone quarries, also used as prisons in ancient times. The most famous latomìa is the Orecchio di Dionisio ("Ear of Dionysius"). Second paragraph from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Italy

The Theatre, [of Syrause, in Sicily] whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks: it has 67 rows, divided into 9 sections with 8 aisles. Only traces of the scene and the orchestra remain. The edifice (still used today) was modified by the Romans, who adapted it to their different style of spectacles, including also circus games. Text from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse,_Italy

Originally built in the Early Christian period, the church of San Giovanni in Syracuse was extended in the sixth century, destroyed by the Saracens in the ninth century, restored by the Normans in the 12th century, and has remained a ruin since the 1693 earthquake. The main section still standing is the 14th century portal wall. Text from: www.planetware.com/syracuse/siracusa-san-giovanni-i-si-sy...

Originally built in the Early Christian period, the church of San Giovanni in Syracuse was extended in the sixth century, destroyed by the Saracens in the ninth century, restored by the Normans in the 12th century, and has remained a ruin since the 1693 earthquake. The main section still standing is the 14th century portal wall. Text from: www.planetware.com/syracuse/siracusa-san-giovanni-i-si-sy...