Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major ancient Greek city in southeastern Sicily: A historically significant city-state founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in the 8th century BC, known for its power, wealth, and cultural achievements.
   • The site of two famous ancient sieges: The location of pivotal military conflicts, including the Athenian siege (415-413 BC) and the Roman siege (214-212 BC).
   • A city in central New York, USA: A modern industrial city in the state of New York.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Ancient City):
  • Archimedes, the great mathematician, lived and died in Syracuse during the Roman siege.
  • The history of ancient Syracuse is a key chapter in the story of Greek colonization.
• Proper noun (Modern City):
  • Syracuse, New York, is known for its university and snowy winters.
  • She moved from Boston to Syracuse for her new job.

Advanced Usage

• "The Siege of Syracuse": Specifically refers to either the failed Athenian expedition during the Peloponnesian War or the successful Roman conquest during the Second Punic War.
  • The Siege of Syracuse was a disastrous defeat for the Athenian navy.
• Used metonymically to refer to the ancient city-state's power or its eventual fall.
  • The fate of Syracuse signaled the decline of Greek independence in the western Mediterranean.

Variants and Related Words

• Syracusan (adjective): Of or relating to the city of Syracuse.
  • Syracusan coinage was famous in the ancient world.
• Syracusan (noun): A native or inhabitant of Syracuse.
  • The Syracusans defended their city fiercely against the Athenians.

Different Meanings

• The word refers distinctly to two separate geographical entities:
  • The ancient and modern Italian city on the island of Sicily.
  • The modern American city in New York State.
• Context (historical vs. modern, or geographical cues) always clarifies which city is meant.

Synonyms

• For the ancient city: Siracusa (its modern Italian name).
• For the New York city: None as a direct synonym, but can be described as a city in Upstate New York.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "The Tyrant of Syracuse": Often refers to historical rulers like Dionysius I or Hiero II.
  • Dionysius was a famous tyrant of Syracuse.
• "Syracuse University": A major private research university located in Syracuse, New York.
  • He earned his degree from Syracuse University.

Noun

1. the Athenian siege of Syracuse (415-413 BC) was eventually won by Syracuse
2. the Roman siege of Syracuse (214-212 BC) was eventually won by the Romans who sacked the city (killing Archimedes)
3. a city in southeastern Sicily that was founded by Corinthians in the 8th century BC
4. a city in central New York