or Metapontium, a city of Magna Graecia, was situated on the Tarentine Gulf, 14 miles from Heraclae, and 24 from Tarentum. It was colonized by Achaeans about the beginning of the seventh century B.C.; but some ascribe it to a much earlier origin. In the early period of its history Metapontum was in all probability in alliance with Sybaris and Crotona, cities likewise of Achaean origin; and it was imbued to a considerable extent with the opinions and doctrines of Pythagoras, who retired to this city and spent there the last days of his life. His tomb was still to be seen there in the time of Cicero. The Metapontines assisted the Athenians in their Sicilian expedition (415 B.C.), being at that time in a flourishing condition of wealth and prosperity. They embraced the side of Pyrrhus in his war with the Romans, and after its conclusion fell under the Roman yoke. When Hannibal invaded Italy the Metapontines, after the battle of Cannae, were well disposed to him; but, on account of a garrison of Romans, were unable openly to desert to him till 212 B.C., when the city was occupied by a Carthaginian garrison. When Hannibal was compelled to leave Italy he removed, along with his own troops, the inhabitants of Metapontum; and from that time the city disappears from history. Some remains of it are still to be seen.