Uma Cidade Grega

Summary

The transcript describes the ancient Greek city of Thurii, founded in 444 BCE by Pericles, located in the territory of ancient Sybaris. The city is notable for its urban design, attributed to Hippodamus of Miletus, and its association with historical figures like Herodotus and Protagoras. Detailed accounts of the city’s layout, streets, and architecture are highlighted, including archaeological discoveries. The narrative follows a journey through Thurii, observing its vibrant market streets, rich cultural history, and the tomb of Herodotus, capturing the essence of life in this historical city.

Takeaways

• 😀 The city of Thurium was a Panhellenic foundation established in 444 BCE, proposed by Pericles and located on the site of the ancient Sybaris.
• 😀 Thurium was known for hosting Hippodamus of Miletus, who reportedly designed its urban grid.
• 😀 The city gained historical significance for being the final home of Herodotus, who was buried in the Agora.
• 😀 Protágoras, the philosopher, was also associated with Thurium and is said to have written its constitution.
• 😀 Much of what is known about Thurium's urban layout comes from Diodorus Siculus' writings and archaeological excavations led by Emanuele Greco.
• 😀 Thurium's location was between the Crate and Sybaris rivers, which flowed into the sea about 3 km apart in ancient times.
• 😀 Diodorus describes the city as being traversed lengthwise by four broad streets and crosswise by three other wide streets, with narrow alleyways intersecting them.
• 😀 The city layout was essentially square, consisting of two rows of three blocks, covering an area of 70 hectares.
• 😀 Archaeological findings confirm the layout with streets paved with river pebbles or broken pottery, and small channels for drainage.
• 😀 The city's streets were bustling with vendors pushing carts carrying produce, fish, and other goods, creating noise that affected the residents' sleep.
• 😀 Wealthy homes were located further from the street, with the most prime real estate rented out to merchants selling luxury goods, such as perfumes and jewelry.
• 😀 The city was illuminated by lanterns on poles, and a large public space with vendor stalls was present near the gates.
• 😀 Herodotus' tomb was located in this space, marking the end of the famous historian's life in Thurium.
• 😀 The traveler and his companion Melânipo made their way through the city, visiting various landmarks and experiencing the bustling atmosphere.

Q & A

What is the significance of the city of Túrio?

Túrio was a panhellenic foundation established around 444 BC, proposed by Pericles and located in the territory of the ancient Sybaris. The city became famous for being the site where important figures like Hippodamus of Miletus and Herodotus lived and were buried.

Who was Hippodamus of Miletus, and why is he associated with Túrio?

Hippodamus of Miletus was an urban planner who is said to have designed the city layout of Túrio. His urban planning, which featured wide streets and organized city blocks, became a hallmark of the city's design.

What is the historical importance of Herodotus in Túrio?

Herodotus, the famous Greek historian, spent his final years in Túrio. He is said to have been buried in the city's agora, adding to the city's historical significance.

What role did Protágoras play in the development of Túrio?

Protágoras, a pre-Socratic philosopher, is believed to have written the constitution for the city of Túrio, contributing to its governance and philosophical legacy.

How do we know about the urban layout of Túrio?

The urban layout of Túrio is known from the writings of Diodorus Siculus, who described the design by Hippodamus, and from archaeological excavations led by the Italian archaeologist Emanuele Greco.

What is the geographical location of the city of Túrio?

Túrio was situated on the coastline between the Crate and Cíbares rivers, which are now known as Cotile. These rivers were about 3 kilometers apart in ancient times.

How was the city of Túrio structured in terms of streets and blocks?

The city was laid out with four wide streets running along its length and three others crossing it. The resulting city blocks were intersected by narrower streets, known as 'stenopes.' Archaeological evidence confirms this grid-like design.

What role did the marketplace and streets play in daily life in Túrio?

The marketplace and streets of Túrio were lively with vendors selling goods like vegetables, fish, perfumes, and jewelry. The streets were busy with carts pulled by donkeys, creating a vibrant commercial atmosphere.

Why did the wealthy people in Túrio have separate areas in their homes for sleeping?

The wealthy in Túrio had separate, inner sleeping areas in their homes to avoid the noise from the bustling streets, where carts and vendors caused disturbance, especially at night.

What is the significance of the tomb of Herodotus in Túrio?

The tomb of Herodotus in Túrio is an important historical site, as it marks the resting place of one of the most renowned figures of ancient Greece. His tomb was located near a large public area where goods were sold.