The history of Taranto: from the Spartan foundation of 706 BC to Magna Graecia, from the Roman conquest to the medieval dominations, up to the modern city of the two seas.
History
The history of Taranto begins long before the Greeks: Bronze Age finds attest to indigenous Iapygian settlements around the gulf. But the date marking the city's birth is 706 BC, when the Spartans founded Taras, their only colony in Magna Graecia.
Legend tells of Phalanthus, leader of the Partheniae — the "sons of the virgins", born of irregular unions during the Messenian wars and stripped of civil rights. Before setting out, Phalanthus consulted the oracle at Delphi, who foretold he would found his city where "rain fell from a clear sky". Only when his wife Aethra (whose name means "clear sky") wept upon his face did Phalanthus understand the prophecy. Beside this stands the myth of Taras, son of Poseidon, saved by a dolphin: an image that still adorns the city's coat of arms.
What to see
Greek Taranto. Taras quickly became one of the richest and most powerful cities of Magna Graecia, thanks to naval power and control of the gulf. Its apex came between 367 and 361 BC under the rule of Archytas, Pythagorean philosopher, mathematician and friend of Plato, who made it the most influential polis of the western Mediterranean and capital of the Italiote League.
The Roman conquest. Expansionist ambitions brought Taranto into conflict with Rome. The city called on Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, who won the battles of Heraclea (280 BC) and Asculum at great cost — the famous "Pyrrhic victories". But resistance ended in 272 BC: Taranto was the last city of Magna Graecia to fall to Rome.
The Middle Ages and the dominations. After the fall of the Empire, the city was contested by Byzantines, Lombards and Saracens, who sacked it in 927. It was reborn under the Byzantines and became, in the Norman age, capital of the Principality of Taranto, one of the most powerful fiefdoms in Europe. The Aragonese followed, strengthening its defences with the Castle.
The modern city. Under Spanish rule Taranto became an important military base. After Italian Unification, the construction of the Naval Arsenal (1889) and the Navigable Canal radically transformed the city, giving birth to the Borgo Nuovo and contemporary Taranto.
Did you know…
- Taranto is the only colony ever founded by Sparta and one of the oldest cities of the West.
- The dolphin ridden by Taras, symbol of the city, already appeared on the coins of ancient Taras.
- The 'Pyrrhic victories' near Taranto gave rise to the saying still in use today.
- Archytas of Taranto, friend of Plato, was among the greatest scientists of antiquity.
Practical information
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| Getting there | Taranto's history can be read walking through the Old Town, between the Doric Temple, the Aragonese Castle and the MArTA. |
Tips for your visit
- Begin your journey into history at the MArTA, which gathers the treasures of ancient Taranto.
- The Doric Temple in the Old Town is the only standing witness of the Greek acropolis.
- At the Aragonese Castle you can read the layers of the Greek, Roman and medieval ages.