Settlements > Hyele

Hyele

Hyele, also known as Velia in Latin and Elea in Greek, was an ancient city located in Lucania, in what is now the Campania region of southern Italy. The city was founded by Greek colonists and is best known for its association with the Eleatic school of philosophy, one of the most influential philosophical traditions of ancient Greece.

Key Features and Aspects of Hyele

Geographic Location

1. Southern Italy: Hyele was situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the region of Lucania. Its location provided strategic access to maritime trade routes and contributed to its prosperity.
2. Modern Cilento: The site of ancient Hyele is near the modern town of Ascea in the Cilento region, which is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.

Historical Significance

1. Foundation and Early History: Hyele was founded around 540 BCE by Greek colonists from Phocaea in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The city was established as part of the wider Greek colonization efforts in the Western Mediterranean.
2. Eleatic School of Philosophy: Hyele is most famous for being the home of the Eleatic school of philosophy, founded by Parmenides and later continued by his student Zeno. The Eleatic school was known for its focus on metaphysics and the concept of being.

Archaeological Discoveries

1. City Layout and Architecture: Excavations at Hyele have revealed the layout of the ancient city, including its streets, residential areas, public buildings, and fortifications. The city was well-planned, reflecting the influence of Greek urban design.
2. Acropolis and Temples: The acropolis of Hyele contained important religious and administrative buildings. Several temples dedicated to Greek gods and goddesses have been uncovered, indicating the city's religious practices and cultural life.
3. Agora and Public Spaces: The agora, or marketplace, was the center of public life in Hyele. It was surrounded by various public buildings, including stoas (covered walkways) and administrative structures.
4. Necropolis: The city's necropolis, or burial ground, contains numerous tombs and grave goods. These findings provide insights into the burial customs and social structure of the inhabitants.

Economic Activities

1. Maritime Trade: Hyele's coastal location made it an important center for maritime trade. The city engaged in commerce with other Greek colonies, as well as with indigenous peoples and regions across the Mediterranean.
2. Agriculture and Production: The fertile lands surrounding Hyele supported agriculture, including the cultivation of grains, olives, and grapes. The city was also known for its production of ceramics and other goods.

Cultural and Social Aspects

1. Greek Influence: As a Greek colony, Hyele exhibited strong Hellenistic cultural influences. The city's architecture, art, and religious practices reflected typical Greek styles and traditions.
2. Philosophical Legacy: The Eleatic school of philosophy, founded by Parmenides, had a profound impact on ancient Greek thought. The school's emphasis on metaphysics and the nature of being influenced later philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle.
3. Religious Practices: The inhabitants of Hyele worshipped Greek gods and goddesses, and the city had several temples and sanctuaries dedicated to these deities. Religious rituals and festivals were integral to the community's cultural life.

Modern Connection

1. Archaeological Site: The site of Hyele, near modern Ascea, is an important archaeological site that attracts researchers and tourists interested in ancient Greek history and philosophy. The ruins provide a tangible connection to the city's past.
2. Cultural Heritage: Artifacts and findings from Hyele are displayed in various museums, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Summary

Hyele, also known as Velia or Elea, was an ancient Greek city located in southern Italy. Founded around 540 BCE by Greek colonists from Phocaea, the city is best known for its association with the Eleatic school of philosophy, founded by Parmenides. Archaeological discoveries at Hyele include well-planned urban structures, temples, an agora, and a necropolis, providing valuable insights into the city's layout, religious practices, and social organization. The city's coastal location facilitated maritime trade, while its fertile lands supported agriculture and production. Today, Hyele remains an important archaeological site and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece.

Sources

Frederick Ahl (trans.), ed. (2007). Virgil's Aeneid. Oxford UP. pp. 139–40. ISBN 978-0-19-923195-9.

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "article name needed". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.