Pyrrhic War
Its location in southern Italy made it a significant hub for Mediterranean Sea trade while also isolating it from Roman naval action on the Tryrrhenum Sea, which connected Rome to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Tarentum had the most formidable naval of any Italian city at the time due to its location and relationship with Greece, and a standing treaty with Rome had been in effect since 302 BC. This contract denied Roman fleets access to the harbour of Tarantum (in Italy's heel), ensuring the Greek navy's autonomy.