What other factors fuel the growth of sicily as a major trading center?

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It is one of the autonomous regions of Italy. The capital of Sicily is Palermo and the provinces are: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani. The nearest region of Sicily is Calabria, 3 km east of the Strait of Messina.

For many centuries of its history, Sicily has been a rich region, disputed by many nations, mainly because of its important position on the Mediterranean trade routes. Cicero described Syracuse as "the largest and most beautiful city in all of ancient Greece." Archimedes, one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world, was a native Sicilian, born in the city of Syracuse.

the alfred thayer mahan award for literary achievement is awarded each year by the navy league of the united states. the award is named for an american naval historian and theorist, rear admiral alfred thayer mahan, united states navy who, through his writing, provided stimulus and guidance to those who share in the defense of the nation. presented since 1957, "this award for literary achievement is awarded to a u.s. navy officer, u.s. marine corps officer, enlisted service member, or civilian who has made a notable literary contribution that has advanced the knowledge of the importance of sea power in the united states."[1]