Amato

Amato (Calabrian: Amàtu; Greek: Amathous) is a comune and town in the province of Catanzaro in the Calabria region of Italy.

Amato
Comune di Amato
Location of Amato
Amato
Location of Amato in Italy
Amato
Amato (Calabria)
Coordinates: 38°56′N 16°28′E
CountryItaly
RegionCalabria
ProvinceCatanzaro (CZ)
Government
  MayorSaverio Ruga
Area
  Total20 km2 (8 sq mi)
Elevation
480 m (1,570 ft)
Population
 (31 December 2013)[2]
  Total848
  Density42/km2 (110/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Amatesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
88040
Dialing code0961
Patron saintFrancis of Paola
Saint day2 April
WebsiteOfficial website

History

Amato is one of the oldest towns in Calabria. It is mentioned by the Greek philosopher Aristotle and by the Roman Pliny the Elder in one of his books. He calls it "Sinus Lametinus" (Lametino Harbour).

It appears that the people of Amato originated from the ancient city of Lametia, on the promontory of the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, near the mouth of the Amato River. It was one of the most thriving cities of ancient Bruttium.

It was destroyed during the late age of the Western Roman Empire, the inhabitants taking shelter in the nearby Nicastro. A settlement is mentioned against only starting from the 12th century.

References

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