The Best Preserved Greek Ruins in Italy

Introduction

Magna Graecia, or “Great Greece,” was a region in southern Italy and Sicily, settled by Greeks. Currently around 10 well-preserved Ancient Greek sites can be found in Italy.

The Greek colonization began around the 8th century BC. Seeking fertile land and trade opportunities, Greeks ventured west.

These colonies quickly grew and thrived. They became influential hubs of Greek culture. The Greeks introduced their customs and political systems. The local Italic tribes were greatly influenced by Greek ways. Cities like Sybaris became very wealthy and densely populated. By around 600 BC, Sybaris was highly significant. It might have had a population of up to 300,000 people.

Trade was a major part of life in these Greek colonies. The Greek settlers traded extensively with other civilizations. They also interacted with various Greek city-states. This trade fostered cultural exchanges and brought wealth. Greek art, philosophy, and science spread through the region. Many cities were noted for their contributions to these fields. Despite their success, the Greek colonies faced several difficulties. They were frequently at odds with neighboring tribes. Rival Greek cities also caused conflicts. Internal disputes further weakened the city-states. Nevertheless, Greek influence continued to be strong for centuries.

Roman expansion

Eventually, Roman expansion began to impact Magna Graecia. As Rome grew, it gradually took over these Greek colonies. This process involved both battles and alliances. By the 3rd century BC, Rome had firmly established control. Roman rule introduced significant changes to the region.

Under Roman control, the Greek cities were incorporated into the empire. They continued to prosper but under Roman administration. This period saw a mix of Greek and Roman cultures. New architectural and cultural advancements emerged during this time. Even with Roman dominance, the impact of Greek culture remained. The Greek cities played an important role in the Roman Empire. They contributed to Roman learning and cultural life.

Cultural influence

The Greeks founded cities like Syracuse, Neapolis (Napoli), and Taras (Taranto). Each city had its own unique characteristics but shared common Greek elements. Greek architecture was prominent in these cities. Temples and public buildings showcased Greek design principles. The use of columns, friezes, and pediments became common. Art was an essential part of life in Magna Graecia. Greek artists produced a variety of works, including sculptures and pottery. Many of their sculptures depicted gods, athletes, and historical figures. Pottery often featured mythological scenes.

The cultural influence of Magna Graecia on the Roman Empire was profound and multifaceted. Here’s a detailed exploration of how Greek culture, as represented in Magna Graecia, shaped various aspects of Roman civilization:

Art and Architecture

Magna Graecia was renowned for its high level of artistic achievement, including sculpture, pottery, and painting. Greek sculptors and potters who settled in southern Italy contributed to the development of a distinctive style in art. Roman artists and architects were heavily influenced by these Greek traditions. The Romans adopted and adapted Greek artistic styles, integrating them into their own artistic expressions. For example, Roman sculpture often emulated Greek forms, and Roman pottery was influenced by the styles developed in Magna Graecia.

The architectural achievements of Magna Graecia, such as the development of the Doric and Ionic styles, were assimilated by the Romans. The design principles of Greek temples and public buildings influenced Roman architecture, leading to the incorporation of Greek columns, capitals, and decorative elements into Roman structures. The Romans adopted and modified the Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) in their own public and private buildings, creating a distinctive Roman architectural style that was deeply rooted in Greek tradition.

The coinage of Magna Graecia, which can be seen as a form of art, also influenced Roman coinage, particularly in the use of imagery and symbols. Roman coins often featured Greek-style iconography, including depictions of gods, heroes, and important figures from Greek mythology.

Literature and Philosophy

Greek literature, particularly the works of poets, playwrights, and philosophers from Magna Graecia, significantly influenced Roman writers. The Roman poets Virgil and Ovid, for example, drew on Greek epic poetry, including the works of Homer and Hesiod, for inspiration. Roman dramatists like Plautus and Terence adapted Greek comedies, particularly those of Menander and Aristophanes, to Roman tastes.

Magna Graecia was home to several influential philosophers, such as Pythagoras, Parmenides, and Empedocles. Their philosophical ideas and schools of thought had a lasting impact on Roman philosophy. Roman thinkers like Cicero and Seneca engaged deeply with Greek philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Platonism, all of which had roots in the Greek intellectual traditions that flourished in Magna Graecia.

Urban Planning and Public Life

The Greeks of Magna Graecia developed advanced urban planning concepts, including the use of a grid plan for city layouts, which the Romans adopted and refined. Roman cities often employed similar planning principles, such as the use of a central forum surrounded by important public buildings, reflecting Greek urban design.

Many aspects of Roman public life, such as the use of theaters, baths, and gymnasiums, were inspired by Greek practices. The Romans incorporated Greek-style theaters and gymnasiums into their cities, adapting them to Roman needs and preferences. The Roman public bathhouse (thermae) was influenced by Greek bathing practices, which were prevalent in Magna Graecia.

Religion and Rituals

The Romans adopted many Greek deities and religious practices, integrating them into their own religious system. Deities such as Jupiter (Zeus), Neptune (Poseidon), and Venus (Aphrodite) were directly inspired by their Greek counterparts. Greek religious rituals, including sacrifices and festivals, were incorporated into Roman religious practices.

The Roman calendar and religious festivals were influenced by Greek traditions. For example, the Roman festival of Saturnalia had parallels with Greek celebrations such as the Dionysia. Roman religious rituals and practices often mirrored those found in Magna Graecia, reflecting the deep cultural integration between the two civilizations.

Language and Education

Greek was the language of culture and education in the Roman Empire, particularly among the elite. Many Roman aristocrats were fluent in Greek and engaged with Greek literature and philosophy. The Greek language became a key component of Roman education, with Greek teachers and scholars being highly sought after in Rome.

Roman education was heavily influenced by Greek pedagogical practices. Greek tutors and scholars played a significant role in educating Roman children, particularly in the areas of rhetoric, philosophy, and the arts. The Roman educational system adopted Greek methods of teaching and incorporated Greek texts into its curriculum.

In short, the cultural legacy of Magna Graecia profoundly shaped the Roman Empire. The Romans admired and absorbed many aspects of Greek culture, including art, literature, philosophy, and public practices. This integration not only enriched Roman civilization but also helped preserve and transmit Greek cultural achievements to future generations. As a result, the Roman Empire became a cultural heir to the Greek traditions, blending them with its own innovations.

Explore the Best Preserved Greek Ruins in Italy

Below is a categorized list of Greek sites that have detailed articles.