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CALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 281-240 BC. AR stater or didrachm (19mm, 6.33 gm, 6h). NGC XF 5/5 - 2/5. Aristocles and Di-, magistrates. Nude warrior on horse rearing right, spearing downwards with right hand, shield and two spears in left; ΔI behind, API-ΣTO/KΛ-HΣ below / TAPAΣ, Taras astride dolphin left, cantharus in outstretched right hand, trident cradled in left arm; head of nymph left behind. HN Italy 1033. Taras, a figure of Greek mythology and the eponymous founder of Tarentum in Calabria, played a pivotal role in the art and culture of the region. Taras was believed to be the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and a local nymph named Satyrion. According to mythology, Taras was saved by his father Poseidon when he was thrown into the sea by his mother, who feared his divine nature. He was carried to the shores of southern Italy, where he founded the city of Tarentum.