The ancient Neapolis (Greek, “New City”) was originally a Greek settlement. Although conquered by the Romans in the 4th century BC, it long retained its Greek culture. The mild climate and the beauty of the site made the city a favorite resort of wealthy Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the city declined. In the 6th century Neapolis was captured by forces of the Byzantine Empire, and in the 8th century it became an independent duchy