Magna graecia[ a] is a term that was used for the greek speaking areas of southern italy, in the present day italian regions of calabria, apulia, basilicata, campania and sicily; these regions were extensively populated by greek settlers starting from the 8th century bc. [ 2]. However, its unique culture never really changed. to this day the towns and cities that once made up magna graecia share a unique mixed identity. beyond its historical significance, magna graecia leaves an enduring legacy through the synthesis of traditions, shaping a unique cultural tapestry.
Magna graecia ( megalē hellas) refers to the coastal areas of southern italy which were colonized by various ancient greek city states from the 8th to 5th centuries bce. sicily, although also a region of greek colonization, is not usually included in this area. however, later writers such as strabo did include sicily as the term came to. Italy. ancient greece. magna graecia, group of ancient greek cities along the coast of southern italy; the people of this region were known to the greeks as italiotai and to the romans as graeci. the site of extensive trade and commerce, magna graecia was the seat of the pythagorean and eleatic systems of philosophy. Finally, the polis founded colonies abroad, especially in magna graecia and ionia and became a 'mother' city and provided both a symbolic transfer of identity (e.g. a fire from the city hearth) and a practical transfer of people and community skills (e.g. potters and metal workers). 706 bce. sparta founds the colony of tarentum in magna graecia . c. 580 bce. agrigento in sicily is founded by colonists from gela, crete and rhodes . 570 bce 530 bce. the doric temple of hera is built at metapontum, magna graecia . c. 540 bce. phocaea founds elea in magna graecia . 491 bce 478 bce.
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