Grumentum

Grumentum was an ancient Roman city in the centre of Lucania, in what is now the comune of Grumento Nova, c. 50 km south of Potenza by the direct road through Anxia, and 80 km by the Via Herculia [1]. The main public buildings of the city have been excavated and are in excellent condition [1]. The first Lucanian settlements in the area date from the 6th century BC [1]. The site was founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC during the Samnite Wars as a fortified vanguard, as part of the creation of a series of fortified outposts in strategic positions: the city arose almost simultaneously with Venusia and Paestum [1]. In 215 BC the Carthaginian general Hanno was defeated under its walls, but in 207 BC Hannibal made it his headquarters [1]. Inscriptions record the repair of its town walls and the construction of thermae in 57–51 BC, the construction in 43 BC, of a portico, remains of which may be seen along an ancient road, at right angles to the main road, which traversed Grumentum from south to north [1]. A domus with 4th century mosaics is also present, as well as two small temples of imperial times [1].