The geographical centre of Sicily It was inhabited since prehistoric times due to its special position, at over 900 metres above sea level, as well as being in the geographical centre of Sicily, so useful for enemy spotting and defence. The first to inhabit the city were the Sicani who went there after leaving Etna because of eruptions. Then it was the turn of the Siculi, who integrated with the former and lived in prosperity and peace before falling in the area of Greek influence. Urbs Inexpugnabilis The capture of Enna by the Romans was certainly one of the most difficult undertakings that the soldiers of Rome had ever conducted in Sicily: they had to resort to sewage to infiltrate up atop the mountain and conquer the stronghold of Sicily. For this reason the Romans named the city Urbs Inexpugnabilis. It later fell under the influence of the Carthaginians. The delivery of Castrogiovanni to Ruggero After the Byzantine period, the Normans came: not even for count Ruggero conquering the city was easy. It took him, in fact, fifteen years of siege before Enna was delivered to him in 1087 thanks to a pact with the Saracen Commander. The name of the city became Castrogiovanni and such was until the Fascist era. Frederick and the navel of the island With Frederick II the city confirms its status as the navel of Sicily with the building of an octagonal tower a few hundred feet from the exact geographic centre of the island, on top of which the entire administrative and road system of Sicily would be designed. The Swabian Emperor also restored the old Sican age Castle and added the double-headed eagle to the city coat of arms.
