Metapont

Metapont (griech.: Metapontion, lat.: Metapontium) was in the context of the Greek Kolonisation a colony created by achäischen settlers at the gulf of Tarent. Metapont stood usually rather in the shade for approximately 50 km of far Tarent lain east. Besides it was exposed to attacks of the Italiker; since beginning 4. Century before Christ it had itself in addition with the tendency of the city Syrakus under Dionysios I. argue, which wanted to win the hegemony over the Greek cities in Italy (Magna Graecia). Thus Metapont with the other cities in the Italioti federation united against Dionysios; after the defeat in the battle at the Elleporus one accepted however perforce the syrakusanische powerful position. After the victory of the Romans in the Tarentini war 272 v. Chr. belonged Metapont to the Roman realm.

Today only ruins exist from the antique Metapont. The today's city Metaponto is in direct neighbourhood of the ruin field.