At the tip of the Italian boot, overlooking the Ionian Sea, stands Crotone, a city rich in history and traditions. But to understand its roots, we must take a step back in time, precisely to ancient Greece.
The Myth of the Foundation
According to tradition, Kroton (the ancient name of Crotone) was founded in 710 BC. by Achaean settlers coming from the Peloponnese. Legend has it that the leader of this expedition, Miskellos, was guided in choosing the site of the foundation by an oracle of the god Apollo, who suggested a particular place where “the earth and the sea exchanged a kiss”.
Kroton, Flourishing City
In a short time, thanks to its strategic position and the fertility of its lands, Kroton became one of the most prosperous Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. The city was famous not only for its military might, but also for its culture and arts. Its athletes dominated in the Olympic Games and its currency was known and respected throughout the Mediterranean.
Pythagoras and His School
One of the most illustrious moments in Kroton’s history was the arrival of the philosopher Pythagoras around 530 BC. Here, Pythagoras founded his famous school, which was not only a center of mathematical and philosophical studies, but also a community with very strict rules of life and behavior. The presence of Pythagoras left an indelible mark on the culture of Crotone, and even today it is possible to find traces of his thought in the city.
Decline and Rebirth
Despite its period of splendor, Kroton also had moments of crisis. The city was defeated by Sybaris in 510 BC. and subsequently from Locri in 480 BC. However, thanks to his resilience and his indomitable spirit, Kroton always managed to recover, continuing to play a key role in the history of Magna Graecia.
Conclusion
Visiting Crotone today means immersing yourself in a distant past, made up of heroes, philosophers and artists who shaped Western culture. The history of Kroton and its Greek founders reminds us of the importance of roots and the inestimable value of cultural heritage.