Tarentine

Tarentine refers to inhabitants or natives of Tarentum, an ancient Greek city in Magna Graecia, located in modern-day Taranto, Italy. Founded by Spartan colonists in the 8th century BCE, Tarentum became a prominent and wealthy city, known for its strategic harbor and its skilled warriors.

The Tarentines were renowned for their military prowess, particularly their navy and their use of cavalry. They often engaged in conflicts with surrounding Italic peoples, such as the Iapygians and Messapians, as well as other Greek city-states in Southern Italy. Their influence extended through their control of trade routes and their participation in the broader political landscape of Magna Graecia.

The city's wealth was largely derived from agriculture and its strategic position as a port. Tarentine coinage was widely circulated and is noted for its artistic quality. Despite their military strength, the Tarentines faced significant challenges, including conflicts with Rome during the Pyrrhic War. Ultimately, Tarentum fell under Roman control, marking the end of its independent existence as a major Greek power. The legacy of the Tarentines is preserved in historical accounts and archaeological findings from the region.