Metaponto
Introduction
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about a very interesting archaeological site located in the province of Matera: Metaponto.
History of Metaponto
Metaponto was founded around the second half of the 7th century BC by Achean groups from the Peloponnese on the invitation of the Sybarites. The colony settled in a deserted territory, where the indigenous settlement of Incoronata di Pisticci had been destroyed.
The Structures of the Site
The Metaponto archaeological park is located two kilometers from the National Archaeological Museum of Metaponto. The site has recognizable traces of a remarkable number of monuments that marked the civil and religious life of the colony, from the initial phases of its foundation to the Roman conquest that occurred in the 3rd century BC.
The Sacred Area of Metaponto
The sacred area is enclosed on the west and south sides by large orthogonal streets, while on the east side only a row of pillars physically separates it from the agora. The votive deposits and the oldest small shrines date back to the end of the 7th century BC.
The Temples of Metaponto
Numerous temples are located in the sacred area of Metaponto. The C shrine, dedicated to Athena, is characterized by a large base made of large blocks of limestone and a small cell related to the first construction dating back to the beginning of the 6th century BC. The temple of Apollo, on the other hand, has a first phase that never seems to be completed and a second phase contemporary to the temple A II. The temple of Hera, of which only the foundations remain, was built in 570 BC and the temple of Aphrodite around 470 BC in the Ionic Order.
Other Testimonies of the Site
The archaeological site of Metaponto also presents other interesting testimonies such as the antiquarium, the Roman castro, the city agora, the necropolis, the temple of Apollo Licio, the temple of Demeter, and the Tavole Palatine.
Conclusions
As you can see, the archaeological site of Metaponto is a mandatory stop for all lovers of history and art. By visiting this place, you can immerse yourself in the history of Greek colonization in Italy and admire numerous testimonies of the civil and religious life of the colony. What are you waiting for? Go and visit it!
