Paestum

Paestum, ancient city of Italy, in Campania Region, on the Gulf of Salerno, south-east of the modern city of Salerno. Founded by Greek colonists from Sybaris between 650 and 600 bc, the city was originally called Poseidonia. It was subdued by the Romans, who established a colony there about 273 bc. During the 1st century bc, Paestum was famous for its roses, mentioned by several Roman poets, including Virgil. The town was sacked by the Saracens in the 9th century ad and finally abandoned in the 16th century. Paestum is known today for the fine ruins of three large Doric temples: the temple of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea; the Basilica; and the temple of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. The temple of Poseidon is one of the most perfectly preserved of ancient Greek temples. In 1998 Paestum, together with the nearby Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park and the archaeological site of Velia, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.