v49_0009 - CALABRIA - TARENTUM Unité, (PB, Æ 15)

CALABRIA - TARAS

(272-235 BC)

Autonomous - First Treaty with the Romans

Taranto, founded around 706 BC by the Parthenopeans, was Sparta's only colony. According to mythology, Taras was the son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyra. He was saved during a shipwreck by a dolphin who deposited him near the future city and the legend TAPAS designates the city. After the departure of Pyrrhus, Taranto submitted to Rome. Under the leadership of Consul Spurius Carvilius Maximus, Taranto became an allied city of Rome. After the defeat of 272 BC, it experienced a great period of prosperity which lasted until the Second Punic War (221-202 BC).