The Bay of Naples became the home to not only several Greek settlements, but also the Etruscans, Oscans, and Samnites. It was a hub of art, culture, and entertainment. By the late Republic, one of Rome’s most important ports was established at Puteoli and, by 31 BCE, Rome’s main naval base was situated at Misenum. Just around the corner, Baiae had become a vacation destination for Rome’s rich and famous, known for being a “den of licentiousness and vice.” The Romans saw the entire Bay of Naples as a resort, a place they could visit to leave behind the bustle of city life. We will explore this region from the time the Romans enter the scene.
