Paestum is an important settlement in Magna Graecia, a term used by the Romans to refer to the southern coastal region of Italy inhabited by Greek speakers. These areas have been widely inhabited by Greek settlers, starting from around the 8th century BC.

Paestum is estimated to have been founded around 600 BC by settlers from Sybaris, the most populous city in Magna Graecia. Paestum, originally called Poseidonia by the Greeks, grew rapidly for about two centuries before being conquered by Lucania, an Italic tribe, around 400 BC. This settlement then fell under Roman rule in 273 BC and changed its name to Paestum.

This archaeological site is famous for three well-preserved ancient Greek temples in the Doric order, in the early classical architectural style. These three main temples are dedicated to the gods Hera, Athena, and Poseidon, respectively—all built between around 550 BC and 450 BC.