Gnatia

Egnazia (ancient Gnatia), near modern Fasano in Puglia, Italy, was a critical port city and center of Mediterranean commerce from the Bronze Age (15th century BC) through the Middle Ages. Originally settled by the Messapii, one of three Iapygian tribes in southern Italy, the city was defended by extensive walls covering 40 hectares. Under Roman rule it became a key stop on the Via Traiana connecting Benevento to Brindisi. Archaeological investigation since 1912 has uncovered Messapian necropoleis, the Tomb of the Pomegranates, Roman baths, and early Christian basilicas with mosaic floors.