In the shadow of Naples. The Implication of Tarentum in the Crisis of 327-326 B.C.

Abstract

There are two versions about the crisis that existed at Naples between the years 327-326 B.C.: one of Livy and the other one from Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Both of them certify the diplomatic implication of Tarentum, supporting the Greek city from Campania. Livy's narrative may be questionable because it has an obvious annalistic impression. If we read only the Livian text we may believe that the implication of Tarentum in the crisis of Naples is an anticipation of the later conflict between Rome and the Dorian colony. But the version of Dionysius contains elements that prove that there is a Greek source behind his narrative, exempt of deformations. Both Livy and Dionysius mention the implication of Tarentum at Naples. Relying on these findings, we may infer that Tarentum was an important actor of the events which took place at Naples in 327-326 B.C.