What was the history of Croton in Magna Graecia?

Croton was a prominent ancient Greek city-state located in the historical region of Magna Graecia in southern Italy. Settled by Greeks, the city became culturally and athletically distinguished, with its athletes winning numerous titles at the Ancient Olympic Games. Its internal political landscape saw major friction, including a notable revolt led by Cylon against the Pythagoreans around 509 BC.

What we know

• Croton was one of the key cities of Magna Graecia, represented by the ruins of Kroton in modern Crotone. [2]
• Athletes from Crotone achieved exceptional athletic success, winning 18 titles over 25 Olympiads in the Ancient Olympic Games. [2]
• A leading citizen named Cylon led a revolt against the Pythagoreans in Croton around 509 BC, which involved setting a meeting house on fire. [4]
• The rebellion led by Cylon resulted in the elimination of debts, the seizure of property for redistribution, and possibly the expulsion of Pythagoras from Croton. [4] · medium confidence

Where to go next

• whoWho was Cylon of Croton?
• the bigger pictureWhat was Magna Graecia?
• what caused itHow did the Pythagoreans influence Croton?
• a case in pointWhat remains of ancient Paestum today?
• what followedHow did Greek colonization shape southern Italy?
• an unexpected connectionWhy did an 18th-century French painting feature women from Croton?The neoclassical painter François-André Vincent chose women from Croton as the subject of his 1789 history painting based on ancient accounts of the city's beauty.

Sources

• [1]Magna Graecia (Wikidata Q184313) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Magna Graecia · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Zeuxis Choosing the Most Beautiful Women from Croton as His Models · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Cylon of Croton · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Paestum · CC BY-SA 4.0