Cumae

Cumae was an important ancient city. It was the first Greek colony on the mainland of Italy, founded by people from the island of Euboea in the 8th century BCE. This place later became a rich and well-known Roman city.

Today, the remains of Cumae can be found near the modern village of Cuma. This village is part of the comune of Bacoli and Pozzuoli in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy. Many interesting items from Cumae are kept in the archaeological museum of the Campi Flegrei, which is located in the Aragonese castle.

History

Main article: Greek colonisation

Early

The oldest finds from 1896 show people lived here around 900–850 BC. Later, people from the Bronze Age and Iron Age also lived here. They were called Ausones and Opici.

The Greek settlers came from cities in Euboea, like Eretria and Chalcis, in the 8th century BC. They chose a spot on Monte di Cuma, surrounded by the sea and fertile land. They became strong and sent people to start new cities in Sicily and Greece. They brought their culture, language, and a special way of writing that later helped create the Latin alphabet we use today.

The Greeks were very rich and powerful, but nearby tribes tried to stop them. The Greeks won many battles and became very important. They even helped Rome by selling grain and fighting in wars.

Oscan and Roman Cumae

In 421 BC, new people called the Oscans attacked and took over Cumae. Later, the Romans took control. Cumae became a happy and rich city under Roman rule. Wealthy Romans built big homes along the coast. Important roads and water systems were built, helping everyone live better.

Even when wars came, Cumae stayed strong. In later years, it became an important place for Christian leaders. Over time, the city was destroyed, but its history remains important.

Archaeology

People have always remembered the ancient city of Cumae, even though the area was hard to live in because of marshes. Over time, artists visited the old ruins. When people started to make the land usable again, they dug up parts of the city. The first big search for treasures happened in 1606, when people found statues and special stone carvings.

Later, more searches took place, and many important things were found, like a big statue of Jupiter. But sometimes, people took these treasures for themselves. In more recent times, careful searches were done, and temples, tombs, and other old buildings were uncovered. In 1992, workers found a temple while building a gas pipeline. Today, scientists continue to explore and restore these ancient places.

Development of the ancient city

The ancient city of Cumae was split into two parts: the higher area called the acropolis and the lower area near the coast. The first part of the city grew on the acropolis, where important temples stood. A road named Via Sacra led to these temples and started with two towers, one of which is still standing today.

The lower part of the city grew later, especially when Rome became powerful. It had walls for protection, and many buildings were added over time, including temples, baths, and a stadium. The city changed a lot through the years, mixing Greek and Roman styles of building.

Surviving ancient monuments

Some remains from the old city can still be seen today, including temples, an arch, and tunnels. These old structures give us clues about how people lived long ago.

Arco Felice

The Arco Felice was a big entrance built to make travel easier. It had tall arches and statues placed along its sides. A road called the via Domitiana passed through it and connected to other important roads.

Crypta Romana

The Crypta Romana was a tunnel dug under the hill. It provided a shorter path from the city to the sea and was built for military reasons. Over time, the tunnel was used for different purposes, including as a place for burials.

Sculpture

Some beautiful statues and carvings from Cumae have been found, showing figures from ancient stories and gods. These artworks are now kept in museums.

Mythology

Cumae is well known as the home of the Cumaean Sibyl, a wise woman from ancient stories. Her special place of worship is now open for people to visit.

In Roman myths, there is a dark lake called Avernus near Cumae. This lake was thought to be a doorway to a hidden world below, and the hero Aeneas used it to journey there.