Brief Historical Notes.

 Thanks to its strategic position in the center of the Mediterranean, Calabria has seen the flourishing of numerous civilizations and a continuous succession of populations, including Enotri, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, and Aragonese. In particular, the Greek one represents a period of great splendor for Calabria, with the foundation starting from the VIII century BC of important cities that will be for centuries among the richest and most culturally advanced of their time, constituting the fulcrum of the territory subsequently renamed Magna Graecia by the Roman conquerors. 

In Crotone (Kroton), 

Pythagoras settled and founded the famous Pythagorean school. 

The city was famous for its healthy climate, for the beauty of its women, for the fertile countryside and for the physical strength of its men, among which we remember the multi-Olympian Milone, 

so much so that it surpassed every other Greek city in the number of winners. at the Panhellenic Games and the Olympic Games: a proverb said "last of the Crotonians, first of the Greeks"

In Locri (Llocrii) were born

Zaleuco, the first legislator of the Western world, 

and Nosside, the greatest Greek poetess. 

Sibari (Sybaris) 

was one of the most flourishing colonies of Magna Graecia, but it was reputed to be a capital of vice. The term Sybarite is still today synonymous with idleness, lust, perfidy and sensuality. 

The Sybarites maintained close relations with the Etruscans and Ionians, peoples known for their penchant for pleasure. They were fond of beautiful clothes and good food, often organizing banquets at the expense of the state. Sexual pleasures also played an important role in the life of the polis and it is even said that in the summer women gathered in the lodges to learn seduction techniques from an instructor.

Another testimony of the importance of Calabria at the time of Magna Graecia was the discovery in the seabed of Riace Marina

of the Riace Bronzes, two bronze statues of Greek origin dating back to the fifth century BC. received in an exceptional state of conservation.

The two statues of incomparable beauty, found on August 16, 1972, are considered among the most significant sculptural masterpieces of Greek art, preserved and on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.