Magna Graecia

Magna Graecia was the area in southern Italy where many Greeks settled starting in the 8th century BC. It included parts of modern Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata, Campania, and Sicily. These settlers came from Greece and created their own powerful cities, bringing with them Greek culture and ideas.

The people of Magna Graecia built wonderful cities and made important contributions to art, architecture, and sports. Some of their cities, like Neàpolis (now Naples), Syracuse, and Taranto, still have ruins we can see today. Athletes from these cities even won many prizes in the Ancient Olympic Games.

Even though the Romans later took control of these cities, the Greek influence stayed strong. Today, a few small communities in Italy still speak a form of the ancient Greek language, keeping a piece of Magna Graecia's history alive.

Terminology

The name Megálē Hellás, meaning "Greater Greece," was first used by the Greek historian Polybius around 150 BC. He credited Pythagoras and his philosophical school with the term.

Ancient writers like Strabo and Livy used "Magna Graecia" to describe parts of southern Italy, sometimes including the island of Sicily. Strabo focused on areas the Greeks had settled. There are many ideas about why the name Megálē Hellás was chosen, possibly because of the wealth and culture of the region, especially around the time of the Pythagoreans and the city of Kroton.

Context

Main article: Greek colonisation

The Greeks set up new towns in other places for several reasons. Sometimes there were too many people and not enough food or space in their homeland. They also wanted new places to trade and sometimes had to leave after wars.

During a time called the Archaic period, the number of Greeks grew much larger than the land could support. So they created many new towns in different parts of the world. These new towns were not controlled by the older Greek cities. Instead, they became their own independent cities.

Greek colonies and their metropolitan cities depicted with red labels, while Phoenician colonies are depicted with yellow labels (4th century BC)

There were also economic reasons for this movement. Some areas where Greek cities were located could not feed many people. Political problems also led some Greeks to start new communities away from their old cities.

The Greeks created new settlements in two main ways. One way was to build permanent towns that became independent cities. The other way was to set up trading places where Greeks and other people lived together and traded goods. Examples of these trading places include Al Mina in the east and Pithekoussai in the west.

Starting around 750 BC, the Greeks began a long period of creating new towns and trading places all over the Mediterranean.

History

Greek colonisation

Greeks started settling in southern Italy as early as the time of the Trojan War and continued for many centuries. Their first big wave of settlers came from Euboea, landing near Naples and the Strait of Messina. Pithecusae on the island of Ischia is the oldest Greek settlement in Italy, and Cumae was their first town on the mainland.

Syracusan (red) and other Greek colonies (black) in the Adriatic

Later, Achaeans settled along the Ionian coast, founding towns like Metapontion and Sybaris. The Athenians also started a town called Scylletium near today’s Catanzaro. With these settlements, Greek culture, language, and traditions spread across Italy, creating a new Hellenic civilization that mixed with local cultures. Important remains of these ancient Greek towns can still be seen today in places like Naples, Syracuse, Agrigento, Taranto, and Reggio Calabria.

Secondary colonisation

Over time, these new Greek towns grew and founded more cities, spreading Greek culture across all of Magna Graecia. Syracuse led a big push to create new towns along the Adriatic coast and on nearby islands. Other towns like Rhegium, Locri, Sybaris, Kroton, and Taras also started new settlements in places such as Calabria, Lucania, and Campania.

Expansion and conflict

Roman expansion in Italy from 500 BC to 218 BC

In the 6th century BC, the main Greek towns of Magna Graecia became very wealthy and powerful. They began fighting each other for more land and control. Big battles happened between towns like Locri and Kroton, and Sybaris was destroyed by its neighbor Kroton. These wars changed the balance of power among the Greek cities.

Roman Era

See also: History of Greek Sicily and Calabria

Italian cities and tribes who allied with Hannibal, c. 213 BC (blue)

The first Greek city to become part of the Roman Republic was Neàpolis in 327 BC. Rome didn’t immediately take over all of Magna Graecia, but as the Greek towns faced threats from nearby groups, they asked Rome for help. Rome used this as a chance to send soldiers to the area.

After Rome defeated Taras in the Pyrrhic War in 272 BC, most of the Greek cities in southern Italy made agreements with Rome. Sicily was taken over by Rome during the First Punic War, with Syracuse being the last to hold out until 212 BC.

After the Second Punic War, Rome reorganized Magna Graecia, taking control of many towns that had supported Rome’s enemies. Roman veterans were settled in several places to help Rome manage the region. Even though Rome now controlled the area, Greek culture stayed strong and continued to be an important part of daily life.

Middle Ages

During the Early Middle Ages, after tough times from wars, new groups of Greek-speaking Christians from the Byzantine Empire moved into Calabria. This strengthened the Greek influence in the area. Even after the Normans took over southern Italy and Sicily in the late 12th century, parts of the region like Salento, Val Demone in Sicily, Calabria, and Lucania still had many Greek speakers. The mix of Byzantine, Norman, and Arab cultures created a rich and unique heritage in Sicily.

[Greek temples](/wiki/Second_Temple_of_Hera_\(Paestum\)) of [Paestum](/wiki/Paestum), [Campania](/wiki/Campania)

Right statue from the [Dioscuri](/wiki/Dioscuri) group from [Locri](/wiki/Locri) exhibited in the [National Museum of Magna Graecia](/wiki/National_Museum_of_Magna_Graecia) in [Reggio Calabria](/wiki/Reggio_Calabria)

Mosaic from [Caulonia](/wiki/Caulonia_\(ancient_city\)), Calabria, National Museum of Magna Graecia

[Pinax](/wiki/Pinax) of Eros, Hermes and Aphrodite exhibited in the National Museum of Magna Graecia

Temple of [Hera](/wiki/Hera) in [Metaponto](/wiki/Metaponto), [Basilicata](/wiki/Basilicata)

The [Temple "D"](/wiki/Temple_of_Hera,_Agrigento), [Valle dei Templi](/wiki/Valle_dei_Templi), [Agrigento](/wiki/Agrigento), [Sicily](/wiki/Sicily)

[Milo of Croton](/wiki/Milo_of_Croton)

[Archytas of Taras](/wiki/Archytas)

The goddess [Nike](/wiki/Nike_\(mythology\)) riding on a two-horse [chariot](/wiki/Chariot), [Apulian](/wiki/Apulia) [patera](/wiki/Patera) (tray), 4th century BC, [Archaeological Museum of Milan](/wiki/Archaeological_Museum,_Milan)

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Head-Kantharos of a female faun or Io, red-figure pottery, 375–350 BC, Los Angeles County Museum of Art

List of Greek poleis

Southern mainland Italy

This is a list of 22 city-states in Italy, according to Mogens Herman Hansen. It shows only those settlements that were organized like a city-state and does not include all Greek settlements.

Sicily

This is a list of 46 city-states in Sicily, according to Mogens Herman Hansen. It shows only those settlements that were organized like a city-state and does not include all Greek settlements.

Italian Greek colonies outside Magna Graecia

Ancient name(s)	Location	Modern name(s)	Foundation date	Mother city	Founder(s)
Herakleia (Lucania)	Basilicata	(abandoned)	433–432 BC	Taras (and Thourioi)	Unknown
Hipponion	Calabria	Vibo Valentia	late 7th century BC	Lokroi Epizephiroi	Unknown
Hyele, or Elea, Velia (Roman name)	Campania	(abandoned)	c.540–535 BC	Phokaia, Massalia	Refugees from Alalie
Kaulonia	Calabria	(abandoned)	7th century BC	Kroton	Typhon of Aigion
Kroton	Calabria	Crotone	709–708 BC	Rhypes, Achaia	Myscellus
Kyme, Cumae (Roman name)	Campania	(abandoned)	c.750–725 BC	Chalkis and Eretria	Hippokles of Euboian Kyme and Megasthenes of Chalkis
Laos	Calabria	(abandoned)	before 510 BC	Sybaris	Refugees from Sybaris
Lokroi (Epizephiroi)	Calabria	Locri	early 7th century BC	Lokris	Unknown
Medma	Calabria	(abandoned)	7th century BC	Lokroi Epizephiroi	Unknown
Metapontion	Basilicata	Metaponto	c. 630 BC	Achaia	Leukippos of Achaia
Metauros	Calabria	Gioia Tauro	7th century BC	Zankle (or possibly Lokroi Epizephiroi)	Unknown
Neàpolis	Campania	Naples	6th–5th centuries BC (previously an 8th-century BC harbour of Kyme known as Parthenope)	Kyme	Unknown
Pithekoussai	Campania	Ischia	8th century BC	Chalkis and Eretria	Unknown
Poseidonia, Paestum (Roman name)	Campania	(abandoned)	c. 600 BC	Sybaris (and perhaps Troizen)	Unknown
Pyxous	Campania	Policastro Bussentino	471–470 BC	Rhegion and Messena	Mikythos, tyrant of Rhegion and Messena
Rhegion	Calabria	Reggio Calabria	8th century BC	Chalkis (with Zankle and Messenian refugees)	Antimnestos of Zankle (or perhaps Artimedes of Chalkis)
Siris	Basilicata	(abandoned)	c. 660 BC (or c. 700 BC)	Kolophon	Refugees from Kolophon
Sybaris	Calabria	Sibari	721–720 (or 709–708) BC	Achaia and Troizen	Is of Helike
Taras	Apulia	Taranto	c. 706 BC	Sparta	Phalanthos and the Partheniai
Temesa	unknown, but in Calabria	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (Ausones who became Hellenised)
Terina	Calabria	(abandoned)	before 460 BC, perhaps c. 510 BC	Kroton	Unknown
Thourioi	Calabria	(abandoned)	446 and 444–443 BC	Athens and many other cities	Lampon and Xenokrates of Athens

Ancient name(s)	Location	Modern name(s)	Foundation date	Mother city	Founder(s)
Abakainon	Metropolitan City of Messina	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Adranon	Metropolitan City of Catania	Adrano	c.400 BC	Syrakousai	Dionysios I
Agyrion	Province of Enna	Agira	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Aitna	Metropolitan City of Catania	on the site of Katane	476 BC	Syrakousai	Hieron
Akragas	Province of Agrigento	Agrigento	c.580 BC	Gela	Aristonoos and Pystilos
Akrai	Province of Syracuse	near Palazzolo Acreide	664 BC	Syrakousai	Unknown
Alaisa	Metropolitan City of Messina	Tusa	403–402 BC	Herbita	Archonides of Herbita
Alontion, Haluntium (Roman name)	Metropolitan City of Messina	San Marco d'Alunzio	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Apollonia	Metropolitan City of Messina	Monte Vecchio near San Fratello	405–367 BC	Syrakousai	Possibly Dionysios I
Engyon	Province of Enna	Troina?	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Euboia	Metropolitan City of Catania	Licodia Eubea	7th century BC, perhaps late 8th century BC	Leontinoi	Unknown
Galeria	Unknown	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Gela	Province of Caltanissetta	Gela	689–688 BC	Rhodes (Lindos), Cretans	Antiphemos of Rhodes and Entimos the Cretan
Heloron	Province of Syracuse	(abandoned)	Unknown	Syrakousai	Unknown
Henna	Province of Enna	Enna	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Herakleia Minoa	Province of Agrigento	Cattolica Eraclea	after 628 BC	Selinous, Sparta	refounded by Euryleon after c.510 BC
Herakleia	unlocated in Western Sicily	(abandoned)	c.510 BC	Sparta	Dorieus
Herbessos	Province of Enna	Montagna di Marzo	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Herbita	Unknown	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Himera	Province of Palermo	Termini Imerese	648 BC	Zankle, exiles from Syrakousai	Eukleides, Simos and Sakon
Hippana	Province of Palermo	Monte dei Cavalli	no Greek founder (indigenous settlement that became Hellenised)
Imachara	Metropolitan City of Catania	Mendolito	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Kallipolis	Unknown	(abandoned)	late 8th century BC	Naxos (Sicily)	Unknown
Kamarina	Province of Ragusa	Santa Croce Camerina	c.598 BC	Syrakousai, Korinth	Daskon of Syracuse and Menekolos of Corinth
Kasmenai	Province of Syracuse	(abandoned)	644–643 BC	Syrakousai	Unknown
Katane	Metropolitan City of Catania	Catania	729 BC	Naxos (Sicily)	Euarchos
Kentoripa	Province of Enna	Centuripe	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Kephaloidion	Province of Palermo	Cefalù	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Leontinoi	Province of Syracuse	Lentini	729 BC	Naxos (Sicily)	Theokles?
Lipara	Metropolitan City of Messina	Lipari	580–576 BC	Knidos, Rhodes	Pentathlos, Gorgos, Thestor and Epithersides
Longane	Metropolitan City of Messina	near Rodì Milici	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Megara Hyblaea	Province of Syracuse	Augusta	728 BC	Megara Nisaia	Theokles?
Morgantina	Province of Enna	near Aidone	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Mylai	Metropolitan City of Messina	Milazzo	700 BC?	Zankle	Unknown
Nakone	Unknown	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Naxos	Metropolitan City of Messina	Giardini Naxos	735–734 BC	Chalkis, Naxos (Cyclades)	Theokles
Petra	Unknown	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (indigenous settlement that became Hellenised)
Piakos	Metropolitan City of Catania	Mendolito?	no Greek founder (Sicels who became Hellenised)
Selinous	Province of Trapani	Marinella di Selinunte	628–627 BC	Megara Hyblaea	Pammilos
Sileraioi	Unknown	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (indigenous settlement that became Hellenised)
Stielanaioi	Metropolitan City of Catania?	(abandoned)	no Greek founder (indigenous settlement that became Hellenised)
Syrakousai	Province of Syracuse	Syracuse	733 BC	Korinth	Archias of Korinth
Tauromenion	Metropolitan City of Catania	Taormina	392 BC	Syrakousai	perhaps Dionysios I
Tyndaris	Metropolitan City of Messina	Tindari	396 BC	Syrakousai	Dionysios I
Tyrrhenoi	Province of Palermo?	Alimena?	no Greek founder (indigenous settlement that became Hellenised)
Zankle/Messana	Metropolitan City of Messina	Messina	c.730	Chalkis, Kyme	Perieres of Kyme and Krataimenes of Chalkis

Ancient name(s)	Location	Modern name(s)	Foundation date	Mother city	Founder(s)
Adrìa	Veneto	Adria	385 BC	Syrakousai	Diomedes, hypostasis of Dionysius I of Syracuse
Ankón	Marches	Ancona	387 BC	Syrakousai	Diomedes, hypostasis of Dionysius I of Syracuse

Administration

The cities in Magna Graecia were set up like the old Greek city-states, with leaders chosen from rich and powerful families. Each city ruled itself, had its own army, and even its own ships. Sometimes, one person would take all the power, like in Syracuse, where a leader named Dionysius fought against enemies until he passed away.

Economy

In the cities of Magna Graecia, people were busy with trade, farming, and making things by hand. At first, they traded mostly with the local Italic people, but they also traded a lot with the Greeks from their home country. Even though we don’t know exactly what they traded or how much, it was a big way for everyone to share and get what they needed.

Coinage

Main article: Greek coinage of Italy and Sicily

Greek-speaking areas in southern Italy, called Magna Graecia, began making their own coins a long time ago. These coins came from different city-states where Greek people lived. One important city was Taras, also known as Tarentum.

Coins from these places show interesting designs, like heroes riding dolphins and beautiful scenes. Later, when Rome took over, these coins changed a little but were still used.

Culture

The Greek settlers in Magna Graecia created a unique culture that mixed their traditions with local customs. They brought art, literature, and philosophy from Greece, making these areas rich in learning and creativity. Famous thinkers and artists, such as Pythagoras and Archimedes, lived and worked in these cities.

Language

Some villages in southern Italy still speak a form of the ancient Greek language called Griko. This language, found in places like Calabria and Apulia, has roots in the Greek spoken long ago. Though fewer people use it today, it shows the lasting influence of the Greek settlers.

Art and architecture

Magna Graecia was known for its beautiful buildings and art. The people there used a simple style of architecture called the Doric style, sometimes mixing it with another style called the Ionic style. They built temples and cities that were well-planned and orderly. Artists created wonderful sculptures and paintings, many of which are still admired today.

Theatre

The Greeks brought their love of theatre to Magna Graecia, building many theatres where plays were performed. Famous playwrights lived and worked in these cities, adding to the rich tradition of Greek drama.

Sport

The colonies sent athletes to the Ancient Olympic Games, which were held at Olympia and Delphi in Greece.

People in Magna Graecia loved these games. They used sports to show their connection to Greece and to prove their strength and skills. Athletes from Crotone were very successful, winning many titles in the Olympics.

Essential timeline

Modern and contemporary Italy

After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, many Greek nobles came to Italy to find safety. Later, in the 1500s and 1600s, more Greeks moved to Italy when their homes in the Peloponnese were taken over by the Ottoman Empire. Many settled in places like Calabria, Salento, and Sicily, bringing their treasures with them.

Even though most Greek people in these areas later adopted the Latin way of life, some parts of Greek culture and language stayed alive. Today, the Griko people in Calabria and Salento still keep some Greek traditions and speak a special language called Griko. In Messina, Sicily, there is also a small group of Greek speakers who came from the Peloponnese in the 1500s.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites related to Magna Graecia

Valle dei Templi

Main article: Valle dei Templi

The Valle dei Templi, or Valley of the Temples, is an archaeological site in Agrigento (ancient Greek Akragas), Sicily. It is one of the best examples of ancient Greek art and architecture from Magna Graecia. Since 1997, the whole area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park covers 1,300 hectares, making it the largest archaeological park in Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Valley includes the remains of seven temples, all built in the Doric style. One of the most famous is the Temple of Concordia, which was turned into a church long ago and is now very well preserved.

Poseidonia and Elea

Main article: Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni

The Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park in Campania became a World Heritage Site in 1998. It includes the ancient Greek towns of Poseidonia and Elea. In Poseidonia, there are three large ancient temples with tall columns and wide tops, built between 550 and 450 BC. These temples were dedicated to goddesses like Hera and Athena.

Syracuse

Main article: Syracuse, Sicily

Syracuse, Sicily, was founded in 733 BC by Greek settlers. It is a World Heritage Site and includes many important ancient buildings. One of the most notable is the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, which could hold many people with its 67 rows of seats. There is also the Fountain of Arethusa, said to have appeared when a nymph was turned into a spring by a goddess.