SYBARIS (city in Lucania)
Important ancient city of Magna Graecia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Lucania
- Landmarks
- Tomb of a father Athenaeus 12.18
- Where
- 39.72° N, 16.49° E
Sybaris is located on the river Trionto. Strabo 6.1.14 In its prosperous era, the city ruled over four neighboring peoples and twenty-five towns. Strabo 6.1.13 The Crotoniatae destroyed the city's prosperity within 70 days due to its citizens' arrogance. Strabo 6.1.13
Described in the sources
Telys held the position of tyrant over this city. Herodotus 5.44.2 Sybaris is located along the coast of the Ionian sea. Ovid Met. 15.1-59 (4) A city named Sybaris once existed on the river Sybaris. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 3.15 ¶2 The city was established as a colony by the Achaean people. Strabo 6.1.13 Some historians claim Lupiae was the ancient name for Sybaris. Pausanias 6.19.9 The Sybarites resided in Laus and Scidrus after losing their city. Herodotus 6.21.1 Smindyrides departed from this city to visit the court of Agariste. Athenaeus 12.58 Smindyrides was a citizen of this city known for his extreme luxury. Athenaeus 12.58 The city is situated in a hollow area with no harbours on its coasts. Athenaeus 12.18 The town of Thurii is situated between the rivers Crathis and Sybaris. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 3.15 ¶2
Stories and history
The Crotoniates captured the city of Sybaris. Athenaeus 12.22 +1 A citizen beat a slave who had sought asylum in a temple. Athenaeus 12.18 It was illegal to keep a rooster within the city of Sybaris. Athenaeus 12.15 The relocated city was renamed Thurii after a local fountain. Strabo 6.1.13 Some people claim that the Rhodians founded the city of Sybaris. Strabo 6.1.14 During a war with Croton, the city fielded an army of 300,000 men. Strabo 6.1.13 The people of Crotona were at war with the inhabitants of Sybaris. Athenaeus 12.19 Sybarite horses were trained to dance to flute music during feasts. Athenaeus 12.19 The city was destroyed in a battle whose noise was heard at Olympia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.22 ¶1 The people of Croton feared the Sybarites and sought Dorieus's help. Herodotus 5.44.1