What can archaeological remains tell us about early cities and the people who lived in them? This album examines the important remains of one city, Poseidonia in Italy, founded towards the end of the 7th century BCE by colonists from the Greek city of Sybaris. Although only twenty-five per cent of the site has been excavated to date, much of its history and culture can be traced through its buildings, inscriptions, and decoration. After it became a colony of Rome in 273 BCE, it became known as Paestum, and Roman customs and styles superceded those of the Greeks in the city. This material forms part of The Open University course A219 Exploring the classical world.
Transcript -- An audio introduction to this album.
An introduction to the early Greek city and three of the best preserved temples.
Transcript -- An introduction to the early Greek city and three of the best preserved temples.
A spectacular tomb illustration reveals Greek cultural behaviour.
Transcript -- A spectacular tomb illustration reveals Greek cultural behaviour.
How the city was conquered by indigenous people who occupied the city in the 5th Century.
Transcript -- How the city was conquered by indigenous people who occupied the city in the 5th Century.
How Greek culture of Poseidonia was absorbed into the new Roman colony.
Transcript -- How Greek culture of Poseidonia was absorbed into the new Roman colony.