Da Taranto a Herakleia: spunti di riflessione sul pantheon coloniale

Abstract

The present paper reevaluates the cult sites of Heraclea in Lucania, emphasizing the fact that most of them have Archaic
predecessors, although in many cases there is a clear hiatus between the Archaic and Classical phases. This is explained
through Greek attitudes toward “foreign” and preexisting cult sites, which were usually respected even if situated in
conquered territories. Furthermore, the author underlines the role of the topography of the city in the establishment of
specific cult sites. The sanctuary of Athena Polias is identified with the remains of a cult place on the eastern edge of
the Collina del Castello, as proposed already in the past. In addition, the article questions the hypothesis that the agora
of the city lay in the area of the so-called Tempio arcaico, although the city market place may have been located nearby.