Routes across Calabria in Antiquity: Locri Epizephiri’s communications over the peninsula and its control of the Tyrrhenian littoral

Abstract

Locri Epizephiri, a city-state on the Ionian Sea, established settlements on the Tyrrhenian coast and routes across the peninsula of Calabria. Although some scholars have questioned the importance of land routes over the peninsula, this study indicates these itineraries were vital, particularly during the Classical period when Locri came into conflict with Rhegium, master of the Straits of Messina. This study examines Locri’s struggles for supremacy of the Tyrrhenian coast and investigates the major routes in Locri’s territory between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Much evidence for the itineraries is from the authors’ explorations on the ground in Calabria.