Apulia, Salapia
Pyllos, magistrate
225-210 BCE
AE 21mm 6.89g
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. ΣΑΛΑΠΙΝΩΝ.
Rev: Horse rearing right; above, trident right. ΠΥΛΛΟΥ.
SNG ANS 734-5
Salapia was likely named after an ancient salt marsh, Salpi. The site was populated since at least the 4th century BCE and maybe back to the 10th century, but rose to prominence in the Roman times starting in the 2nd century BCE. It consisted of three peninsulas that projected into the lagoon, with the largest middle lagoon being the most populated.
During the Second Punic War, Hannibal resided for some time in Salapia, most believe due to a woman who lived there. According to Pliny, she was a prostitute, and it may have been due to the scandal that the city switched sides to the Romans in 210 BCE. When Hannibal attempted to retake the city, he was unsuccessful.
When the lagoon began to silt up in the 1st century BCE, a new city was built four miles away. This is now occupied by the current town of Torre de Pietra.