Gulf of Taranto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gulf of Taranto |
|
|---|---|
Map of the Gulf of Taranto.
|
|
| Coordinates | 39°53′06″N 17°16′37″E / 39.88500°N 17.27694°E |
| Type | gulf |
| Native name | |
| Etymology | after the city of Taranto |
| Part of | Ionian Sea |
| Primary inflows | Agri, Basento, Sinni |
| Primary outflows | Mediterranean Sea |
| Basin countries | Italy |
| Islands | Cheradi |
| Settlements | Taranto, Gallipoli, Crotone |
The Gulf of Taranto is a large bay located in Southern Italy. It is part of the Ionian Sea, which is a section of the wider Mediterranean Sea. People in Italy call it Golfo di Taranto.
Contents
What is the Gulf of Taranto?
The Gulf of Taranto is shaped almost like a square. It is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) long and 140 kilometers wide. This makes it the biggest gulf in all of Italy.
Where is it located?
The gulf is surrounded by three regions of Italy. These regions are Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria. Its edges are marked by two important points of land called capes. To the east, you'll find Santa Maria di Leuca in Apulia. To the west, there is Capo Colonna in Calabria.
Rivers flowing into the Gulf
Several rivers flow into the Gulf of Taranto. The most important ones include the Basento, the Sinni, and the Agri. These rivers bring fresh water into the gulf.
Cities and History
Many important cities are located along the shores of the Gulf of Taranto. The main cities today are Taranto and Gallipoli.
Ancient Greek Settlements
Long ago, the ancient Greeks built many cities here. These cities were part of what was called Magna Graecia. This means "Greater Greece." Some of these famous Greek colonies include Kroton, Heraclea, Thurii, and Sybaris. These cities were very important in ancient times.
National Waters Claim
Italy considers the entire Gulf of Taranto to be its own national waters. This means Italy believes the gulf is closed to international ships. However, some other countries, like the United States and the United Kingdom, do not agree with this view. They believe the gulf should be open for international travel.
