Paestum tourist information
The ancient Paestum, "town of Poseidonia", was founded by the Achaean of Sibari as a centre for shipping business, at the beginning of the VI century B.C. At the end of the V century B.C. it fell under the rule of the Lucani, that changed the greek name in Paistos. Ruled for a short period by the Greeks, it was again occupied by the Lucani in 331-330 B.C. during the wars the Sanniti. In 273 it became a roman settlement; perhaps it was a "Municipium" with the "lex Iulia", and became a town colony during the age of Silla.
The ancient Paestum, "town of Poseidonia", was founded by the Achaean of Sibari as a centre for shipping business, at the beginning of the VI century B.C. At the end of the V century B.C. it fell under the rule of the Lucani, that changed the greek name in Paistos. Ruled for a short period by the Greeks, it was again occupied by the Lucani in 331-330 B.C. during the wars the Sanniti. In 273 it became a roman settlement; perhaps it was a "Municipium" with the "lex Iulia", and became a town colony during the age of Silla. It however kept the unique privilege to coin bronze currency until the ages of Augustus and Tiberius, as a prize for the faith to Rome, shown during the wars against the Punii. It continued to be a wealthy agricultural centre also during the last empire. At the dawning of the Christianity Paestum had its martyrs and in 370 the mortal remains of the apostole Matthew stopped there. It was bishop's seat since the V century and has always been christian. When the malaria spread over the country, it depopulated gradually. Destroyed by the Saracenics at about 877 A.D. it finally declined and the bishop's seat in 1136 was moved to Capaccio.
Paestum aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Paestum aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Paestum.
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