![]() ![]() It is quite possible that sometimes Phalantos was depicted, sometimes Taras – perhaps the two cults also mixed to a certain extent. ![]() There are issues with a trident as an attribute, which speaks more for Taras, son of Poseidon. It is quite possible that, depending on the type of coin, it was one of the two figures. Whether Phalantos or Taras was depicted on the coins cannot be said with certainty. Again there are variations in the tales, in another version Taras was miraculously rescued by a dolphin in a storm and landed at the mouth of the river Taras. The same image is depicted on the modern city emblem. On coins of the ancient city of Taras, the son of Poseidon is depicted riding a dolphin, sometimes with his father’s trident in one hand. Rise and ancient splendour followed for the city. This was said to be the site of the first settlement of the Spartans, the same ones who founded the city of Taranto in 706 BC. The name is derived from the first town (Satyrion), which Taras dedicated to his mother Satyria or his wife Satureia. Even today, a port about 15 km south of Taranto (near Leporano) is called Torre Saturo. He interpreted this as a good sign and encouragement to found a city. ![]() While making a sacrifice to honour his father Poseidon, a dolphin suddenly appeared to him. According to the legend, he was the founder of the Greek settlement Taras (Tarentum), a later leading power of Magna Graecia. As a result, a cult was founded in Taras – the city that Phalanthos is said to have founded – and Brundisium in his honour.Īnother founding legend is about Taras, a son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyria, a figure from Greek mythology. According to the myth, Phalantos was saved by a dolphin (hence the depiction as a dolphin rider). Another episode reports that Phalantos and his men were shipwrecked off the coast of Italy. He found shelter with the Japygen, where he died and was also buried. Phalantos himself was also expelled after a discussion with his fellow citizens. ![]() The occupation of the area took place without much resistance from the local population, the Japygen, who were forced to flee to Brindisi. They saw better trading opportunities in the new city. Years later, the Spartan settlers moved to the future Taras. A seaside resort still exists today under the Italianised name of Saturo, a few kilometres from Taranto. So he founded his city and named it Satyrion. Since the rebels could not be sentenced to death like the slaves, they had to leave the city and seek new land.īefore leaving, Phalantos consulted the Oracle of Delphi, who, through the priestess, pronounced the following verdict: „If it will rain in clear skies, you will conquer new land and city.“ When Phalantos was on board on a long voyage towards Japygia (modern Apulia) and saw his wife crying Aithra („serene sky“), he thought that the oracle had come true. They demanded from the nobles the rights they had been denied. At the end of the 8th century BC, after a long war against the Messenians, the Parthenians, together with the slaves, organised a revolt and were led by Phalantos. As illegitimate children, they did not have equal rights and were treated as outsiders. The Parthenians were illegitimate sons born during times of war and the absence of the army. The legends of the colonisation of Taranto are handed down in detail by Pausanias and Strabon, who also quotes many earlier authors. Before that, he is said to have founded Satyrion, about 13 km southeast of Taranto. According to ancient authors, he is the founder of Taranto. Phalantos, also Phalanthos, was the son of the Spartan Aratos and leader of the Parthenians („virgin sons“). The two most common and well-known are those of Phalantos and Taras. There are various ancient foundation stories as well as mythological legends surrounding the founding of the city of Tarentum. Taras Phalanthos, preparing to throw trident, astride dolphin left to right, owl standing left, head facing. Nude youth crowning and riding horse left. Wonderful presentation with the attributes trident and owl. Nomos of the Magna Graecia Period 272/240 BC ![]()
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