Tavole Palatine

“Then is Metaponto, which is at a distance of 140 stadia from the port of Heraclea (25,9 km). It is said that this city was founded by Greeks, native from Pylos, who, under Nestor, returned from Troy with their ships. It is believed that they were the first to cultivate this land, and for this reason they dedicated in the temple of Apollo in Delphi their entire crop of wheat, shining like gold" [Strabo 58-25 BCE]
The Achaean origin of the city is demonstrated through a local rite, called 'atoning sacrifice,' offered by the inhabitants of Metaponto in honour of old Neleides. The city was razed to the ground by the Samnites. Antiochus claimed that the site was abandoned and it was later colonized by some Achaeans, sent there by their compatriots of Sybaris."[Antiochus 423 BCE]

The remains of the 6th-century Temple of Hera a couple of km from Metaponto; 15 Doric columns and a few bits of pavement.
They're known as the Palatine Tables since knights, or paladins, are said to have gathered here before heading to the Crusades. Who said it I could not ask since I had the place to myself.Read more