Ancient History: Marines cleanup 2,400-year-old castle

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Steve Cushman | U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and an Italian volunteer cut overgrown grass and weeds from the entrance to Castle Eurialo near Syracuse, Italy, May 13, 2015. The Italian and American team of volunteers spent the day clearing pathways around the ancient fortress in order to make the site more accessible for visitors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Cushman/Released)  

SYRACUSE, ITALY

05.13.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Cushman 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

SYRACUSE, Italy – In the year 402 B.C., Dionysius I, the ruler of Syracuse, wanted a fortress built to defend the city from siege or attack. More than 2,000 years later, the Castle Eurialo remains an impressive site in the town, although in ruins and overrun with grass and weeds.

Armed with weed-whackers and rakes, a group of 25 U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa joined Italian volunteers in clearing the overgrowth from paths around the site May 13, 2015.

The fortress sits approximately 400 feet above sea level and commands an impressive view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Historical markers around the site indicated that Greek scientist and mathematician Archimedes may have contributed inventions to the defenses of the fortress during the Siege of Syracuse in 212 B.C.
For Sgt. Christopher Burkard, the communications maintenance chief with SPMAGTF-CR-AF, that tie-in was an added bonus.

“Truth be told, I didn’t know what to expect coming here today, I had no idea it had anything to do with Archimedes,” he said. “This has been a great way for Marines to do some good in the community, explore Sicily and see history.”

The crew of Marines and Sailors were joined in their efforts to work around the site by Italian volunteers from the nearby town of Belvedere.

The Italian and American workforce made a huge impression on the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage for Syracuse, Dr. Beatrice Basile.

“It has been amazing and exciting observing how enthusiastically the volunteer organizations and the young men and women of the Belvedere town joined the Marines who generously offered their service to clean up the area."

• Date Taken: 05.13.2015
• Date Posted: 05.19.2015 13:40
• Story ID: 163797
• Location: SYRACUSE, IT