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ELEA
The archaeological ruins
of Elea-Velia are located on the Cilento
Coast, approximately 90 km to the south of Salerno.
The city was founded by Phocians, came to
Italy from Asia Minor as a result of Persian conquests (545
a.C) of Ciro the Great, with the name of Hyele
later transformed in Elea. Immediately fortified it allowed
its inhabitants to develop thanks to the maritime commerce
and fishing.
It gave the birth illustrious personages as philosophers
Parmenide, Zenone, Melisso
di Samo and Senofane di Colofone, that subsequently founded
the “eleatic school” and interlaced relationships
with Atene and Socrate.
Its ancient history sees fightings with the neighbor Paestum
and the people living in Central Italy until its conquest
by the Romans who gave to it the name Velia.
It later became episcopal center but the lowered of the gorund
of its ports, probably due to bradyseism,
and the frequent invasions of Saracens cause
a progressive decline that determined its abandonment (VIII
sec. AD).
The visit of Velia gives sure emotions for the integrity of
some parts and for the characteristic technical used by its
ancient inhabitants. After the entry there're the archaic
policrome walls and two square towers that leave
space to the rooms where it can be admired pavements
to mosaic.
In the area there're also the rests of a theatre and the Roman
and Greek terms and the nice Pink Door.
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