Tarentum

Tarentum (Taranto), important city and harbour on the ‘instep’ of south Italy, on the gulf named after it. It was founded by Sparta, traditionally in 706 BC. Originally an aristocracy, Tarentum became a democracy c.475 BC, and flourished especially in the fourth century BC during the lifetime of the philosopher Archytas. The Tarentines quarrelled with the encroaching Romans in 282, relying on help from Pyrrhus, and thus provoked Rome's Pyrrhic wars. The Romans conquered Tarentum in 272, but imposed generous terms. Livius Andronicus, probably a Tarentine captive taken to Rome, was an important figure in early Roman literature. Tarentum played an important part in the Second Punic War: in 213 it was captured by Hannibal, and in 209 recaptured by Fabius Cunctator (and thoroughly plundered). Thereafter it suffered a decline. It lay in very fertile country; its honey, olives, scallops, wool, and purple dye were praised by Horace, its pinewoods by Propertius.

Tarentum may refer to:

• Tarentum, an ancient Roman city; formerly the Greek colony Taras
• Taranto, Apulia, Italy; on the site of the ancient Roman city Tarentum
• Tarentum, Pennsylvania, United States
• ST Tarentum, a tug in service with Societa Rim. Napoletani (1962–82); originally known as Empire Bess

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