Metapontum

Metapontum
Μεταπόντιον
The theater of Metapontum was built on top of an older ekklesiasterion.
Metapontum is located in Italy
Metapontum
Shown within Italy
LocationMetaponto, Province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy
RegionMagna Graecia
Coordinates40°23′00″N 16°49′28″E / 40.38333°N 16.82444°E / 40.38333; 16.82444
TypeSettlement
Area150 ha (370 acres)[citation needed]
History
FoundedBetween 700 and 690 BCE
PeriodsArchaic Greece to Roman Empire
Associated withPythagoras
Site notes
ManagementSoprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici della Basilicata
WebsiteArea archeologica di Metaponto (in Italian)

Metapontum or Metapontium (Ancient Greek: Μεταπόντιον, romanizedMetapontion) was an important city of Magna Graecia, situated on the gulf of Tarentum, between the river Bradanus and the Casuentus (modern Basento). It was distant about 20 km from Heraclea and 40 from Tarentum. The ruins of Metapontum are located in the frazione of Metaponto, in the comune of Bernalda, in the Province of Matera, Basilicata region, Italy.