| Soon after landing, American troops found themselves near Agrigento and the "Valley of the Temples." Sicily had long been a stepping stone for armies on the path to mainland Italy. The Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage saw the island change hands several times. During the Middle Ages, Agrigento was ruled by the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and Normans. For the Americans in July 1943, Agrigento was the key to western Sicily. On July 16, the 3rd Infantry Division along with the Ranger Battalions captured the city. |
