Cumae facts for kids

The cave was thought to be the home of the Cumean Sybyl.

Cumae was an important ancient Greek city located in Italy. It was founded around 740 BC, making it the very first Greek settlement on the Italian mainland. Before Cumae, the same group of people had started another city called Pithekoussai on the island of Ischia in 770 BC. Later, they also founded other cities like Dikaiarcheia (which is now Pozzuoli) and Neapolis (which is now Naples).

What Was Cumae?

Cumae was a powerful city in ancient times. It was one of the earliest and most important Greek colonies in the western Mediterranean Sea. The city was built on a high hill, which helped protect it.

Why Was Cumae Important?

Cumae was very important because it was a gateway for Greek culture and ideas to spread into Italy. The people of Cumae traded a lot with local Italian tribes. They also helped spread the Greek alphabet, which was later adapted by the Etruscans and then the Romans. This alphabet eventually became the basis for the Latin alphabet we use today.

The Oracle of Cumae

Cumae was famous for its oracle, a place where people believed they could get advice from the gods. This oracle was served by a priestess known as the Cumean Sybyl. She was said to live in a large cave, and people from all over would come to ask her for prophecies. The cave is still there today and can be visited.

Life in Ancient Cumae

Life in Cumae was busy, with people involved in farming, trade, and building. The city had temples dedicated to Greek gods like Zeus (also known as Jupiter to the Romans) and Apollo. There were also public baths and other buildings typical of a Greek and later Roman city. Over time, Cumae became part of the Roman Empire.

Images for kids

• 

  The lower city of Cumae seen from the acropolis

• 

  The Temple of Zeus at Cumae was changed into an early Christian church. You can still see the baptismal font at the back.

• 

  Grotta di Cocceio

• 

  Crypta Romana

• 

  Athena terracotta antefix from the 6th century BC

• 

  Doric frieze from a temple, around 340 BC

• 

  The Thermae of the Forum

• 

  Arco Felice and the via Domitiana still in use today

• 

  Diana

• 

  Votive relief from 400 BC (Antikensammlung Berlin)

• 

  Nymph

• 

  Colossal Jupiter statue (Naples museum)

• 

  The walls of the acropolis

• 

  The Temple of Apollo

• 

  A street in Cumae

• 

  The Temple of Diana

• 

  The acropolis seen from the west

• 

  An ancient aqueduct

See also

In Spanish: Cumas para niños