Taranto: The Most Greek City in Southern Italy

Founded by the ancient Greeks as a colony, Taranto witnessed numerous battles between Greek and Roman forces in the Puglia region. In 122 BC, the Romans established a colony nearby, and by 89 BC, Taranto was fully absorbed into the Roman Empire as a self-governing municipality.🏰 During the Middle Ages, Taranto fell under Lombard rule before being captured by the Duchy of Benevento in 662 AD. By the 8th century, North African Berbers frequently raided Taranto and southern Italy. In 1063, the Normans conquered the city, making it the capital of the Principality of Taranto, which lasted for 377 years.🏛 🌊 In 1465, the principality merged with the Kingdom of Naples, becoming part of its territory. By 1861, Taranto, along with the Kingdom of Naples, was incorporated into the unified Kingdom of Italy.⛪ In November 1940, during the early stages of World War II, the British Royal Navy launched the first-ever carrier-based air attack on naval ships at Taranto—the historic Battle of Taranto. This operation later inspired the Imperial Japanese Navy's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.🌟 #ItalyTravel #SouthernItaly #Taranto #OffTheBeatenPathItaly