Syracusan

Syracusan is an English term that serves as both a noun and an adjective. It refers to a person from Syracuse, and, more specifically, to people from either Syracuse, Sicily, a historic Greek colony on the island of Sicily, or Syracuse, New York. The adjective also denotes things connected with Syracuse in its historical or contemporary contexts. The term derives from Latin Syracusanus, ultimately from the Greek name Syrakousai.

In classical and historical usage, Syracusan typically describes things associated with ancient Syracuse, an influential Greek city-state famed in antiquity for military and scientific achievements. Notable Syracusans include the mathematician Archimedes and the rulers Gelon and Hiero II. The term appears in ancient literature to identify people or artifacts connected with Syracuse.

In modern contexts, Syracusan can refer to a resident of either city named Syracuse. However, modern demonyms vary; Syracuse, New York residents are often called Syracuseans, while readers may encounter Syracusans or Syracusan in older texts. When clarity is needed, it is common to specify the city, for example “a Syracusan from Syracuse, Sicily” or “a Syracusan from Syracuse, New York.”