Water and wealth in medieval Sicily: The case of the Admiral's Bridge and Arab‐Norman Palermo (10th–13th centuries)

New research challenges the long-held assumption that Palermo's Admiral's Bridge, a UNESCO-listed marvel of medieval engineering, was commissioned by George of Antioch in 1132. By analyzing the bridge's toponym and topography, this study reveals that its origins and institutional significance are more complex than previously thought. The findings highlight the critical role of water management in shaping Palermo's growth as an agricultural and trading hub during the Arab-Norman period (10th–13th centuries). The research bridges archaeological evidence with historical inquiry to re-examine the bridge's connection to the Oreto river district, offering insights into medieval Mediterranean urban development and governance.

Jäckh, T. (2019). Water and wealth in medieval Sicily: The case of the Admiral’s Bridge and Arab‐Norman Palermo (10th–13th centuries). WIREs Water, 6(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1363