Interview with Jeremy Dummett on the aim and scope of his book
Q: What gave you the idea for the book?
A: On an early visit to Syracuse we were staying in an apartment off Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral Square, overlooking the Great Harbour. We could see that it was a fascinating place. I started to research the background and could find no recent book in English or Italian on the city’s history and monuments. A project developed and this book is the result.
Q: What is so special about Syracuse?
A: Firstly, the visual impact of the city. Ortygia, the old town, with its two harbours and the hills behind, is a spectacular sight. Secondly, the monuments from four different historical eras, Greek, Roman, early Christian and Baroque. And thirdly, the extraordinary history and cast of characters. Syracuse was one of the great cities of the ancient world, vying with Athens, Rome, Carthage and Alexandria.
Q: What is the aim of the book?
A: To tell the story of Syracuse linked to the monuments and works of art to be seen today. And in so doing, fill a gap in the literature on Sicily. My book will be the first, modern historical guide to the city.
Q: How did you research the book?
A: I began the project with three months of research at the British Library to investigate sources on Syracuse, in both English and Italian. It soon became apparent that there were very few books specifically on Syracuse but a vast literature containing references to the city, covering works of history, archaeology, architecture, biography and travel writing. Desk research was complemented by frequent visits to Syracuse and investigation of the monuments in the city and province, often in the company of a guide. And talking to locals working at the sites and in the bookshops was a vital source of information. This pattern of desk research, combined with field visits and the writing itself, continued for the four years it took me to complete the book.
Q: What are your most important sources?
A: For the story, I’ve used original sources wherever possible. These include the ancient historians as well as participants in major events. For the monuments, I’ve consulted the works of archaeologists and other specialists. The conclusions of my own visits to the sites are also included.
Q: Which writers on Syracuse inspired you most?
A: In terms of the story and the events that took place, it is difficult to beat the ancient writers, from Thucydides, Diodorus and Livy, to the dramatic lives of the protagonists as described by Plutarch. Among secondary sources two nineteenth century writers are particularly impressive on Syracuse, Edward Freeman in his History of Sicily and the travel writer, Douglas Sladen, with his In Sicily. Both loved Sicily and spent many months on the island. They show an in-depth knowledge of the city’s history and monuments that is still very relevant today.
Q: How do you tell the story?
A: In narrative form, making full use of contemporary accounts, concentrating upon ancient times when the city was at the peak of her power. There is an outline chapter bringing the story up to 1945 and a final chapter on the modern city. A prologue gives the views of travellers in the past.
Q: And how do you deal with the monuments?
A: By providing a commentary on each main historical era, Greek, Roman, Christian and Baroque. The other important sites are covered in a final section. In this way the sites and works of art are put into context and are linked to the story.
Q: Will your book be helpful to visitors?
A: My book will prepare visitors with the historical background to the city in the wider context of Sicily and the Mediterranean. The commentary on the monuments and works of art will allow people to decide in advance what they want to see. Maps of the major sites are included so that the book will be of practical use during a visit to the city.
Q: If I had only one day in Syracuse, what would you suggest I do?
A: Start by spending a couple of hours in the Archaeological Park, seeing the Greek Theatre, the quarries and other Greek monuments and the Roman Amphitheatre. Then head for Ortygia, the old town, situated on the harbour. A walk around the outdoor market will whet your appetite, so go and have lunch in one of the small fish restaurants nearby. Spend the afternoon wandering around Ortygia, a small promontory jutting out into the sea, crammed with buildings from different eras. Key places to visit include the Cathedral, built over a Greek temple; the thirteenth century Maniace Castle at the tip of Ortygia; Via Maestranza with its line of richly decorated Baroque palaces and the Bellomo Regional Gallery, which holds paintings and sculptures from Syracuse’s ancient churches. And you should see Caravaggio’s painting, the Burial of Santa Lucia, the city’s patron saint, in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. It is there temporarily while the Basilica, its usual location, is being renovated. There’s plenty more, so make sure that you have more time on your next visit!
Q: How long would I need to see everything properly?
A: I’d say a week to ten days. In that time you’d be able to see all the major sites and museums in the city, explore the smaller sites outside, take boat trips, have time for a swim down the coast, visit the nature reserve at Vendicari, and see the Baroque hill towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa. Syracuse is a great place to stay and has wonderful food. The combination makes for a memorable holiday.
Interview by Mark Dummett, BBC Correspondent, 6th December 2009