History of Taranto military help because of the wars that they were having with their neighbours. Also, Thurii, which was located on the Gulf of Taranto and under Tarentine rule, asked Rome for help in 282 BC, after being attacked by Lucanians. This situation inevitably led to a conflict between Taranto and Rome, since Taranto felt Rome was interfering in the affairs of the Greek colonies in southern Italy, which the Tarentines considered under their dominion. Two political parties were present at the time within Taranto. The democrats, led by Philocharis or Ainesias, were dominant; they were against Rome, because they knew that
History of Taranto Persano was put under trial for incompetence and cowardice, and his easy days in Taranto was indicated as part of his bad behaviour. During World War I, Taranto was a base for Regia Marina warships. On 2 August 1916, , a , sank after alleged sabotage. On the night of 11 November 1940, during World War II, the Italian ships, which were at anchor in "Mar Grande" and "Mar Piccolo", were severely damaged by British naval forces in what became known as the Battle of Taranto. British forces landed near the port on September 9, 1943 as part of the