Sure, Calabria is fraught with economic problems, but it hasn't always been that way. Sybaris is an ancient Greek city near Corigliano, founded in 710 BC. It was known for its luxury, giving rise to the modern meaning of "sybaritic" as a word applied to almost unimaginable wealth.
A Mosaic Floor at Sybaris
The mosaic has been excavated to reveal an even older settlement below
From Martha Bakerjian, About.com
Picture of the Roman Ruins at Sybaris- -a mosaic floor excavated to reveal older construction under.
Martha Bakerjian, Italy for VisitorsMore Italy Pictures
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