In Sicily is found the key to all (Goethe, 1787)

Based on findings of the late 800's, it was believed that man arrived in Sicily during the late Paleolitic Age. Evidence of his presence on the island is undisputed. However, the 1968 archeological discoveries near Agrigento (chopping tools, bowls, and cups made of flint and quartz), but back into debate the relative union of Sicily to the African continent. As these discoveries verify without doubt, the Pebble culture inhabited the Island during the early Palaeolithic Age.

Thucydides, the great historian of the Peloponnesian Wars (400BC) insists that the first humans to inhabit the Island were in fact the Cyclops, and the Lestrigani. However, there is no documentation as to where they came from or where they migrated to. Ancient historians (Thucydides, Pausania, Antifemo di Gela, Falaride di Agrigento and Ellanico) all agree on the existence of three distinct cultures in Sicily dating at least 500 years prier to the Greek colonization.

• The first ethnic group to appear in Sicily were the Sicani. Thucydides informs us, "born of the land".


• The second group to appear on the Island were the Siculi , who led by their king Italo crossed the strait of Messina on rafts and occupied the most fertile parts of the northern half of the Island.


• The third group, the Elimi some claim had the same characteristics as the Siculi and were in fact one and the same. However, Thucydides disagrees, claiming that the Elimi were of Trojan origin who in fact escaped during the seizure of Troy in 733BC.