v49_0034 - BRUTTIUM - PETELIA Obole, (MB, Æ 22)

BRUTTIUM - PETELIA

(3rd century BC)

Petelia, located about twenty kilometers from Crotone, occupied a strategic position. The city made its appearance in history during the Second Punic War. After the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, as the cities of southern Italy rallied one after another to Hannibal's side, Petelia remained loyal to the Roman cause. The city was besieged, and unable to be rescued, surrendered to the Carthaginians who delivered its territory to the Brettians. At the end of hostilities, the city obtained territorial compensation and was considered a privileged ally of the Urbs.