Pronunciation: [pjˈuːtɪˌɒli] (IPA) 
"Puteoli" is the Latin name for modern-day Pozzuoli, a city in Italy. The spelling of this word may seem confusing at first glance, but it can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pu" sounds like /pju/, and the following "te" like /tɛ/. The final syllable "oli" is pronounced /oʊli/. So, to summarize, "puteoli" is spelled as /pjuːtɛɔːli/ in phonetic terms.
Puteoli, also known as Puteoli Portus or Portus Puteolus, was an ancient Roman city located in the Bay of Naples, Italy. It was a major port and trading hub during the Roman Empire.
Puteoli was founded around the 6th century BCE and served as an important commercial center due to its strategic position near the bustling city of Naples and its proximity to the sea. Its name, Puteoli, translates to "little wells" in Latin, referencing the numerous freshwater springs found in the area.
The city flourished under Roman rule and became renowned for its bustling port and extensive trade connections. Puteoli became a crucial gateway for the import and export of goods, particularly during the height of the Roman Empire. The port received a wide range of commodities, including grain, wine, fish, olive oil, and slaves. It was also a popular destination for Roman travelers and visitors from across the empire.
Puteoli's prosperity can be attributed to its geographical advantages and well-developed infrastructure, including its deep harbor, which allowed large ships to dock directly at the city. Its thriving commercial activities attracted not only merchants but also wealthy residents who built luxurious villas along the coast.
Today, the ancient city of Puteoli is part of the modern city of Pozzuoli and serves as a valuable archaeological site, offering insights into the trading practices and daily life during the Roman era.
The word "puteoli" is derived from Latin and it has its roots in Ancient Greek.
In Latin, the word is "puteoli" (singular: puteolum), which means "little wells". This is a diminutive form of the Latin word "puteus", which means "well". The city of Puteoli, also known as Pozzuoli, in Italy had numerous wells, which is how it got its name.
In Ancient Greek, the town was called "Δικαιοπολις" (Dikaiopolis), which means "city of justice". This name is believed to have derived from a legend about a just ruler of the town.
Over time, the Latin name "Puteoli" became more commonly used and eventually replaced the Greek name. Today, the town is known as Pozzuoli in Italian.
