Palermo is the capital of Sicily in Italy. With a population of around 700,000 inhabitants, it is the most populated region on the island. It is located on the north coast of the island and occupies an area of 158 km².
Palermo is believed to date to 8000 BC and was inhabited by the Sicans. After them came the Phoenicians, Greeks (who never settled in the city), Carthaginians, and lastly, the Romans, who stayed a little longer. Its location, fertile valleys and the fact it is an island made it an important target for German invaders throughout the fifth century. The Saracens later arrived and razed the island to the ground in 831, renamed the towns and cities and built elegant mosques.