Greek Mythology: Paestum, Italy
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Paestum, Italy is part of an ancient Greek colony 90km south of Naples and is also known as Poseidonia. There are a number of archaeological sites here, but the most spectacular are three large temples - among the best preserved ancient Greek doric temples in the world: the Temple of Poseidon, the Temple of Hera (the Basilica), and the Temple of Athena.
| Ancient Greek Mythology: Paestum, Italy | |
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| Paestum Temple of Athena (undated photo) | Temple of Hera |
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| Temple of Hera (front view) | Temples of Neptune and Hera |
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| Temples of Hera and Neptune | Temples of Neptune and Hera |
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| Temple of Poseidon: External View | Temple of Poseidon: Inner Colonnade |
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| Temple of Neptune: Two-Tiered Columns | Temple of Poseidon: Naos Columns |
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| Drawing of the Temple of Neptune | Temple of Neptune: Reconstruction |
Although only a fraction of the surrounding area has been properly excavated, it and Paestum proper have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The original colonists were from Sybaris, a thriving city on the Ionian sea and this was the farthest north that Greek colonists ever travelled. Paestum became prosperous in its own right, located near fertile ground and serving as an stop for both Roman and Greek trade routes.
According to legends Paestum was originally founded by Jason and his Argonauts, but archaeologists date the site around 600 BCE and believe that it was originally the site of worship of Poseidon (Neptune), god of the sea. The Italian Lucan tribe conquered Poseidonia in 400 BCE and they ruled the area until 273 BCE. Sybaris itself had been destroyed in 510 BCE by Croton and many refugees probably arrived. After the Lucans, the city came under the control of Rome - but they don't record much of the city's actions.
After the fall of Rome the region began to seriously decline - especially problematic was the spread of malaria and raids from Muslim forces attempting to extend their sphere of power across the Mediterranean. Eventually Paestum was completely deserted and not rediscovered until 1752 when a road building crew arrived. Even then, it wasn't until 1779 that the site was accurately identified and described.
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