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Gela| Ancient Greek city on the south coast of Sicily, founded by colonists from Rhodes and Crete 690 BC. It rapidly grew in importance, and in 582 founded Acragas (Agrigentum). Gela's most flourishing period was the reign of the tyrant Hippocrates (498–491 BC). |
| Hippocrates was succeeded by Gelon, who later transported half the population of Gela to Syracuse, where he had established himself as tyrant and which he made his capital. The town was finally destroyed by the Mamertines (mercenaries from Campania, Italy) after 280 BC. |
| The Greek dramatist Aeschylus died at Gela 456 BC. |
Gela| Coastal town in southern Sicily, 45 km/28 mi southeast of Caltanissetta; population (2001) 72,800. There are tuna and sardine fisheries, an oil field, and an oil refinery; industries include coarse cotton, and woollen goods. Founded in 688 BC by the Greeks, Gela was rebuilt in 1230 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. There is an 18th-century church. |
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