Martone

Martone (Calabrian: Màrtuni) is a comune in the former province of Reggio Calabria, in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The town was founded between the 7th and 8th centuries by Greek Christian monks from the Byzantine Empire, particularly from the regions around the Aegean Sea and the Levant. Martone, like many communes in the Locride area, was part of a larger group of comuni, all founded by Greek monks. Within the Grotto territory (which includes the municipalities of Mammola, Martone, and St. Giovanni di Gerace) are small monastic churches that still preserve traces of Byzantine art. In addition to preserving historical relics, these monasteries were instrumental in promoting agriculture and trades. They were involved in reforestation, land reclamation, and cultivation, which helped establish the first artisanal activities during the Byzantine period.