![]() This area of Italy has a very dynamic and important connection to its Greek roots. In a NutshellĪs you can tell from this article there are plenty of educational things to learn as you learn about the Magna Graecia time period. These communities are direct descendants of the ancient Greek colonializations. This Greek dialect is spoken by locals in certain areas of Puglia and Calabria. It is said that the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples can be found in Italy’s Magna Graecia and not Greece.Īpart from this, a linguistic trace of Magna Graecia still survives today in the form of Griko. Both archaeological parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For instance, seven well-preserved Greek temples are located at the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, and three more magnificent temples can be seen at the Archaeological Park of Paestum. Modern Southern Italy has become an archeologists’ treasure trove for Grecian relics and temples. Relics from the Past Archaeological Park of Paestum. Other notable people include the famous mathematicians Archimedes from Sicily and Pythagoras. This six-time Olympian champion was a phenomenal athlete and ferocious warrior. It was also home to athlete Milo who was the most admired wrestler in all antiquity. Democedes of Croton and Calliphon of Croton). Croton, (Calabria) holds the reputation of producing the best Greek physicians (i.e. Historians consider Magna Graecia as an essential part of Greek culture in Italy. These nuggets of information are sure to be of interest to history buffs and non-history buffs alike. Here are some facts to help you have a better understanding. ![]() Magna Graecia remains shrouded in mysticism for many. Roman eventually seized all major cities of Magna Graecia and took total control of the entire region. Once the Romans arrived there was no stopping them. Eventually, all this led to the demise of the Greek colonies. They took over fertile lands, conquered cities, and absconded with the vast riches that Great Greece possessed. Also, invaders from the northernmost regions of Italy began to pose a big threat to the Magna Graecia territories. One example would be the Oscan tribes from what today is known as the Campania and Lazio regions. As the years passed, conflicts with other groups grew. Nevertheless, battles with Romans and internal politics caused the unity between these colonized regions to deteriorate by the end of the fifth century. Great Greece became a center of philosophy, mathematics, music, astronomy, and even gave birth to the Pythagorean theorem by the great mathematician Pythagoras who was exiled from Greece to what is now present-day Calabria. More importantly, residents from the area were allowed to actively participate in the Olympic Games that Greece is so very famous for. Over time, the Greeks claimed Magna Graecia as a territory of Greece. The geographical location of Greece and its close proximity to Southern Italy made it very appealing for those looking for adventure and a better way of life. This area became a melting pot of Greek, Phoenician, and Etruscan cultures. The southernmost regions of Italy happened to have all they were looking for in abundance. Greek colonists traveled abroad in search of fertile land, trade opportunities, and a better life. Why Did the Greeks Move To Southern Italy? 433 BC) was the last colony formed under Greek rule. These areas were colonized in 740 BC and 706 BC, respectively. The original colonies started from the Euboean settlement of Cumae (the first Greek settlement on mainland Italy) and extended to the Spartan colony of Tarentum which was famous for coin making. Just to reiterate Magna Graecia (or Megale Hellas) refers to the coastal regions of Southern Italy. Magna Graecia: The Origins of Greeks in Italy Territories of Magna Graecia This article gives you an insight into this ancient world, where rich cultures and religions resided in harmony up until the Romans conquered the land. The Romans later dubbed this land Magna Graecia (Greater Greece) because of the extensive Grecian presence. That’s right! The entire country of Italy got its name from the vast areas of the south that were under Greek domination. The residents of this region (present-day Calabria) were called Italiotai by the Greeks which eventually lead to the entire peninsula being called Italy. Have you ever heard about the ancient Greek colonization of Southern Italy? Centuries ago, a significant portion of Italy’s south belonged to the Greeks. ![]() The Fascinating Tale of Magna Graecia: Greeks in Southern Italy The Temple of Hera II (also called the Temple of Neptune or Temple of Poseidon)
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