After the sack of Syracuse in 212 BC, the Romans reigned in Sicily for the next six centuries. Due to the island’s advantageous climate and fertile soil, Sicily offered a prosperous source of grain. Sicily was agriculturally exploited in order to supply the Roman Republic with wheat, an act which likely hindered the economic development of the island. Nevertheless, due to the island’s status as a “breadbasket” for Rome and the fruitful abundance of the island, the cult of Demeter became prominent throughout Sicily. In his Metamorphoses, Ovid even places the myth of Persephone’s abduction by Hades and Demeter’s ensuing search for her daughter in Sicily. As we walked up and down the streets of Palermo, I couldn’t help but notice the ubiquitous statues and plaques celebrating the goddess Demeter. Below are but three of many representations of Demeter and grain that can be found throughout the city of Palermo.
