It is no mystery that the effigy of Falanto, founder of the city of Taranto, riding the dolphin, is not only found on Tarantine coins, but also on those of Brindisi. The reason for all this is little known. Now we will try to explain it in summary. The relationship between Taranto and Brindisi has very ancient roots that date back to the foundation of the city of Taranto. Pompeo Trogo, historian of the first century BC, reports that the Parthenians or the people from Taranto who came from Sparta had occupied the Rocca of Taranto after driving out the ancient inhabitants who had taken refuge in Brindisi. And it is well established that near the promontory of the old city before the coming of the Tarantini there was a Brindisi garrison. The nascent Ionian city under the guidance of Falanto grew over time until due to a series of events and, above all, due to Falanto’s desire to impose a strict observance of the laws, the hero Tarantino decided to abandon the city or, in any case, was chased away and took refuge in Brindisi together with numerous malcontents. Here he spent the last years of his life, according to some of him, contemplating a military march on his city. Legend has it that when he felt close to death, thinking back to his past Tarantini, he thought better of it and asked that his ashes be secretly scattered in the public square of Taranto, as the oracle had said who had predicted the greatness of the Ionian city if he Spartans had preserved his ashes forever. All this calmed relations with the people of Taranto, divine honors were paid to him and his effigy was inserted into the coins, as had happened in Brindisi. Beyond the legend that has its roots in time, there is no doubt the strong bond between Taranto and Brindisi and the presence of the hero also in the Massapian city.
For Latest Updates Follow us on Google News
