SYBARIS

ancient Greek city in southern Italy situated on the Gulf of Tarentum, near present Corigliano, Italy, known for its wealth and the luxury of its inhabitants, which contributed to the modern meaning of sybaritic. Founded c. 720 BC by Achaeans and Troezenians in a fertile area, the city prospered quickly. Twice razed by the Crotoniates (510 and c. 448 BC), Sybaris was rebuilt a third time with Athenian help. Expelled by the other citizens, who renamed the city Thurii, the Sybarites founded a fourth Sybaris farther south on the Traeis (Trionto) River; its ruins were uncovered by excavations in 1949.