In this article, the topic Siege of Rometta will be explored from different perspectives, analyzing its social, cultural, political and economic implications. The impact that Siege of Rometta has had on today's society and how it has shaped the way we think and act will be examined. Likewise, historical and contemporary aspects related to Siege of Rometta will be addressed, in order to better understand its importance and relevance in today's world. Through this exhaustive analysis, we aim to offer a panoramic view of Siege of Rometta and its multiple facets, inviting reflection and debate on this topic that is so relevant today.
| Siege of Rometta | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Arab–Byzantine wars and the Muslim conquest of Sicily | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Byzantine Empire | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 60,000 | 40,000 | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | Heavy | ||||||||
The siege of Rometta was a successful siege of the Byzantine city of Rometta, in northeastern Sicily, by the Kalbids on behalf of the Fatimid Dynasty, that took place between 963 and 965 and marked the conclusion of the Muslim conquest of Sicily.
The siege was led by the two Kalbid cousins al-Hasan ibn Ammar and Ahmad ibn al-Hasan al-Kalbi. In 962, Taormina was besieged and reduced by Ahmad, where the entire population was sold into slavery and the area was colonized by Muslim resettlers. Following the fall of Taormina in 962, the Kalbids moved north to Rometta. The next year Ahmad began the siege. The city soon sent an envoy to the Byzantine emperor, Nikephoros II Phokas, requesting military aid and provisions. Nikephoros responded by equipping a fleet of around 40,000 men, many of whom were veterans from the Byzantine conquest of Crete, for battle in Sicily. The fleet was commanded by Niketas Abalantes, while the cavalry was commanded by Manuel Phokas, a nephew of emperor Nikephoros through his brother, Leo Phokas the Younger. In October, 964, the siege was reinforced by Berber troops led by the emir of Sicily, al-Hasan ibn Ali al-Kalbi. On 25 October, the Byzantines and the Muslims engaged one another. The Byzantines were initially in control of the battle, however, the Muslims were soon able to rout them, supposedly killing more than a quarter of the force, including Phokas. The surviving Byzantines attempted to flee back to their fleet at Messina, but were ambushed upon departure in the Battle of the Straits and defeated. Without reinforcements, Rometta was unable to defend itself against the Kalbids and soon fell in May 965.