Map of Magna Graeciae

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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Magna Graecia is Latin for "Greater Greece" and is the label applied to the region in ancient southern Italy colonized by Greek settlers from the 8th century BCE on. Magna Graecia comprised of a number of large and thriving towns: Kapue (Capua), Neapolis (Naples; from Cumae), Subaris (from Sybaris), Tarentum (colonized from Sparta), and Paestum or Posidonia (from Sybaris) are just a few.

Greek culture was exported to Italy through this colonization, but independent cultures developed as well out of a synthesis of Greek and Latin influences. Except for Greek Sicily, Magna Graecia began to decline around 500 BCE, perhaps due to malaria and conflict among the colonies. After this point only Tarentum (now Taranto) and Cumae retained much significance.

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