Basilicata and its People
Many exceptional minds have contributed to the region's cultural background. Pythagoras lived and died in Metaponto. Horace, born in Lucania, was one of the greatest poets in ancient Roman times. Lastly, Rocco Petrone, whose parents came from Sasso di Castalda, was Director of Launching Operations at the John F. Kennedy Space Center and led the team that built its space vehicles.