founded in the 7th century bc, ancient metapontum was once the centre of a wealthy city-state with a philosophical tradition expounded by pythagoras, who settled here after his expulsion from croton.
its ruins include the tavole palatine (6th century bc) at the bradano river bridge, and a doric temple, probably dedicated to hera, with 15 columns standing.
the museo nazionale di metaponto displays artefacts from the site.
the ruins of a theatre and the doric temple of apollo lycius are in the archaeological zone.
further south, modern policoro occupies the site of ancient heracleia.
its museo nazionale della siritide contains finds from this site and others.