Messina, city in Italy, in northeastern Sicily, capital of Messina Province, on the western shore of the Strait of Messina. A port city opposite the Italian mainland, Messina has industries producing foodstuffs, silks, muslins, linens, and chemicals. The University of Messina (1548) is here. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. It was occupied by Roman forces in 264 BC, an event that precipitated the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage. Following occupation by the Saracens (9th century AD) and the Normans (11th century), Messina was ruled by various powers. It was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1908 destroyed almost all of the city and killed some 84,000 persons. Population (2000 estimate) 259,000.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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