Paestum, also known by its original Greek name as Poseidonia, was a Greek colony founded on the west coast of Italy, some 80 km south of modern-day Naples. Prospering as a trade centre it was conquered first by the Lucanians and then, with the new Latin name of Paestum, the city became an important Roman colony in the 3rd century BCE. Today it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world due to its three excellently preserved large Greek temples.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 740 BCE - c. 433 BCEGreek poleis or city-states establish colonies in Magna Graecia.
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c. 600 BCEPaestum is founded by colonists from Sybaris.
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c. 550 BCEThe Temple of Hera I is built at Paestum.
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c. 510 BCEThe Temple of Athena is built at Paestum.
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c. 480 BCEThe tomb frescoes of Paestum are painted.
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c. 460 BCEThe temple of Hera II is built at Paestum.
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c. 410 BCEPaestum is attacked and conquered by the Lucanians.
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273 BCERome establishes a colony at Paestum.
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c. 71 CERome establishes a second colony at Paestum.
