DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The sea has always been of great importance to the city of Siracusa. Greek colonialists first arrived here by boat and settled in Sicily and thus laid the foundations of the region's future prosperity. The attractive historic centre of the old town is located on the island of Ortygia whose buildings contain almost two thousand seven hundred years of history. When under the dictatorship of the tyrant, Dionysios The First, the town had a population of half a million that even surpassed that of Athens. Following a two year siege in 212 B.C. the Romans succeeded in conquering the metropolis. The Teatro Greco is one of the most beautiful amphitheatres of Ancient Greece and at the beginning of the fifth century dramas and comedies were frequently performed there. It once accommodated up to fifteen thousand spectators. Numerous colourful legends abound of the nearby Ear of Dionysios. The grotto is a wonder of acoustics in which even the most gentle whisper can be heard. Legend has it that the tyrant Dionysios used the phenomenon to eavesdrop on his prisoners. Siracusa is a fascinating and atmospheric place, steeped in history, myth and legend.