(the ancient Brundusium), a fortified city and seaport of Naples, in the province of Otranto, is situated at the head of a bay of the Adriatic, in Lat. 40° 37'. 50. N., Long. 17° 58'. 32. E. Brundusium was early a place of great importance, and was the usual port of communication with Greece and the East. It was at first governed by its own kings, but was conquered and colonized by the Romans B.C. 245. Virgil died here B.C. 19. The modern town is encircled by extensive walls, but the inclosed space is not above half occupied. The streets are narrow and crooked, and the houses generally in a ruinous state. The decay of this city arose principally from the entrance to its inner harbour being filled up about the fifteenth century; to remedy which, attempts have recently been made. The outer harbour is deep and capacious, affording good anchorage. Pop. 6300.