Photos of the Remains From Ancient Syracuse, Sicily

By N.S. Gill, About.com Guide

The grotto or cavern known as L'Orecchio di Dionysio 'Ear of Dionysius' is so named because the shape is thought to resemble an ear and because the Ear of Dionysius is associated with a tyrant of Syracuse named Dionysius. The Ear of Dionysius was formed from the limestone quarry there, either deliberately or naturally. The acoustics are excellent. It is 23 m. high and 65 m. deep.

There are various theories about how Dionysius of Syracuse may have used the ear. He may have put prisoners there so their plans could be overheard or so their screams could be heard when they were tortured.

Source:
_{"From Palermo to Syracuse," Scribners Monthly, Volume 20. By Laura Winthrop Johnson, Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt, Celia Thaxter, Dora Hill Read Goodale, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Cairns Collection of American Women Writers. P. 415}

_{Picture: CC Flickr User Alun Salt.}

1. Syracuse Map
2. Theater
3. Quarries
4. Ear of Dionysius
5. Altar of Hieron
6. Amphitheater

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• Map of Syracuse, Sicily
• Theatre of Syracuse
• Quarries of Syracuse
• The Ear of Dionysius
• Altar of Hieron
• Roman Amphitheater of Syracuse

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