280BC Calabria Tarentum Silver Nomos – gVF

Calabria and Tarentum in Ancient Greece

Location and Early Settlement

Ancient Calabria occupied the southern part of the Italian peninsula, forming the toe of modern Italy. In Greek times, however, people knew the region as part of Magna Graecia, meaning “Greater Greece”. Greek settlers established colonies along the southern Italian coast, and consequently the area developed strong cultural and economic connections with the Greek world.

Among these settlements, Tarentum, or modern Taranto, became one of the most important. The city stood on the Gulf of Tarentum, where its excellent natural harbour provided shelter for ships travelling across the Ionian Sea. Furthermore, its position gave Tarentum access to both the Italian interior and the wider Mediterranean.

The People of Tarentum

Greek settlers from Sparta founded Tarentum around the late eighth century BC. These settlers, known as the Partheniai, established a city that eventually became a major centre of Greek culture in southern Italy. Meanwhile, local Italic peoples, including the Messapians, lived throughout the surrounding region.

Consequently, Tarentum developed a mixed and sometimes uneasy relationship with its neighbours. Although Greek culture dominated the city, contact with local communities influenced trade, politics and warfare.

Trade and Importance

Trade provided much of Tarentum’s wealth. Its harbour connected the city with Greece, Sicily and other Mediterranean markets. Moreover, merchants traded olive oil, wine, pottery, textiles and agricultural goods, while the surrounding countryside supplied grain and livestock.

In addition, Tarentum became famous for its fine purple-dyed woollen textiles, which commanded considerable value. Its location also allowed the city to control important maritime routes around southern Italy.

Ultimately, Tarentum became one of Magna Graecia’s wealthiest and most influential cities. With its busy harbour, fertile surroundings and Greek heritage, it stood as a rather impressive Greek outpost—quite a long way from Athens, but clearly unwilling to be forgotten.

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