v49_0002 - CAMPANIA - NEAPOLIS Litra, (PB, Æ 18)

CAMPANIA - NEAPOLIS

(340-241 BC)

Neapolis, of very ancient creation, was first founded by Rhodian settlers under the name of Parthenope in the 8th century BC. The city was then colonized by the inhabitants of Cumae a century later. In the 5th century BC under the impetus of Chalcidian and Athenian colonists, the city took its definitive name of Neapolis (Naples). The Samnites eventually invaded Campania and occupied the citadel of Naples for over fifty years. Finally the Romans seized Naples in the 3rd century BC. The city nevertheless remained Hellenized and maintained its independence until 241 BC..