Neaethus

The Neaethus (Greek: Νέαιθος) is an ancient name for a river located in Magna Graecia, specifically in the region now known as Calabria, Italy. It is generally accepted to be the same river as the modern-day Neto.

The Neaethus was significant in antiquity due to its association with the Greek colony of Kroton (modern Crotone). Kroton was situated near the mouth of the river, and the Neaethus played a crucial role in the city's economic and agricultural life, providing fresh water and acting as a waterway for transportation.

Historical sources, including accounts from ancient geographers and historians, mention the Neaethus in connection with Kroton. Its importance stemmed not only from its practical uses but also potentially from its role in the cultural and religious life of the Greek settlers. The precise details of any such religious significance are, however, largely lost to time.

The river's name, Neaethus, reflects the Greek language of the colonizers and contributes to our understanding of the early interactions and settlements in Southern Italy during the period of Greek expansion. The identification of the Neaethus with the Neto has been established through analysis of ancient texts and geographical context.