Cultures > Second Greek Colonization

Second Greek Colonization

Background

The Second Greek Colonization, which occurred between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, was a period of extensive Greek expansion and settlement beyond the Aegean region. This era of colonization followed the earlier Greek Dark Ages and was characterized by the establishment of new Greek colonies along the coasts of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. These colonies played crucial roles in spreading Greek culture, fostering trade, and facilitating political and social developments in the Greek world.

Causes of the Second Greek Colonization

Economic Factors:

Overpopulation in the Greek mainland led to land shortages and pressure on agricultural resources. Establishing new colonies provided opportunities for land and resources, alleviating demographic pressures.
The desire for new trade routes and access to resources such as metals, timber, and grain drove Greek city-states to establish colonies in strategically important locations.

Political Factors:

Political instability and internal conflicts within Greek city-states prompted some groups to seek new territories where they could establish independent communities.
Rivalries among Greek city-states also spurred colonization as a means to extend influence and control over new territories.

Social and Cultural Factors:

The Greek spirit of adventure and exploration, coupled with a tradition of seafaring, encouraged colonization.
The spread of Greek culture, language, and religious practices was an important motive for establishing colonies, creating a shared Hellenic identity across distant regions.

Key Phases and Regions of Colonization

Early Colonization (8th Century BCE):

The initial phase of colonization saw the establishment of colonies in southern Italy and Sicily, known as Magna Graecia. Notable colonies included Cumae, Naxos, Syracuse, and Tarentum.
Colonization also extended to the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), with cities like Miletus and Ephesus playing pivotal roles in the expansion.

Expansion to the West (7th Century BCE):

Greek colonization spread to the western Mediterranean, including the coasts of Spain and southern France. Important colonies included Massalia (modern-day Marseille) and Emporion (Empúries).
Colonies were also founded in North Africa, with Cyrene in modern-day Libya being a significant Greek settlement.

Colonization of the Black Sea (6th Century BCE):

The Greeks established colonies along the Black Sea coast, known as the Euxine Sea. Significant colonies included Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul), Trapezus (Trabzon), and Odessos (Varna).
These colonies facilitated trade with the interior regions of Asia and the steppe regions to the north, enhancing economic and cultural exchanges.

Characteristics of Greek Colonies

Founding and Organization:

Greek colonies were typically founded by a metropolis (mother city) that organized and sponsored the expedition. A chosen leader, or oikist, led the settlers and was responsible for establishing the new colony.
The layout of colonies often mirrored the polis (city-state) structure of the Greek mainland, with an agora (marketplace), acropolis (fortified center), and residential areas.

Economic Activities:

Colonies engaged in agriculture, exploiting fertile lands to grow crops such as wheat, barley, olives, and grapes. They also practiced animal husbandry.
Trade was a central activity, with colonies acting as hubs for the exchange of goods between the Greek mainland and other regions. They traded local products, including metals, timber, fish, and grain, for luxury goods, pottery, and textiles.

Cultural Impact:

Greek colonies played a significant role in spreading Hellenic culture, including language, art, architecture, and religious practices, throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
The blending of Greek culture with local traditions in the colonies led to a rich and diverse cultural milieu, influencing the development of regional identities.

Significant Outcomes and Legacy

Economic Growth:

The establishment of colonies contributed to the economic prosperity of the Greek world, opening up new markets and resources. This growth facilitated the development of commerce and the rise of a wealthy merchant class.
Colonies served as intermediaries in long-distance trade networks, connecting different parts of the ancient world and fostering economic interdependence.

Political Influence:

Greek colonies often maintained strong political and cultural ties with their mother cities, reinforcing Greek influence across the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
The presence of Greek colonies in strategic locations enhanced the geopolitical reach of Greek city-states, allowing them to exert control over important maritime routes and trade centers.

Cultural Exchange and Diffusion:

The spread of Greek culture through colonization contributed to the Hellenization of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Greek language, art, and philosophy became influential in these areas.
The interaction between Greek colonists and indigenous populations led to the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, enriching both Greek and local cultures.

Foundation for Later Periods:

The network of Greek colonies laid the groundwork for the later expansion of Hellenistic culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great.
The legacy of Greek colonization is evident in the continued prominence of many of these cities throughout antiquity and into modern times.

In summary, the Second Greek Colonization was a period of extensive Greek expansion and settlement from the 8th to the 6th centuries BCE. Driven by economic, political, and social factors, Greek city-states established colonies across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. These colonies played crucial roles in spreading Greek culture, fostering trade, and shaping the political landscape of the ancient world, leaving a lasting legacy on subsequent periods of history.

Sources

Nikolaos Papahatzis; et al. (1971). Ιστορία του ελληνικού έθνους [History of the Greek Nation]. 2. Ekdotike Athenon.

Eleni Triakoupoulou-Salakidou (June 1997). "Ακάνθος-Εριίσσος-Ιερίσσος" [Acanthus-Erissus-Hierissus] (PDF). Αρχαιολόγικα και Τέχνες (Archaeology & Art) (in Greek). Vol. 63.

Strabo (1903). "6.35". Geographica. Translated by W. Falconer. (The cities situated on the side which forms the Strait are, first Messana, then Tauromenium,36 Catana, and Syracuse; between Catana and Syracuse were the ruined cities Naxos37 and Megara,38 situated where the rivers descending from Ætna fall into the sea, and afford good accommodation for shipping. Here is also the promontory of Xiphonia. They say that Ephorus founded these first cities of the Greeks in Sicily in the tenth generation from the Trojan war. For those who preceded him were so terrified by the piratical customs of the Tyrrheni, and the ferocity of the savages of the neighbourhood, that they did not even venture to resort thither for the purposes of commerce. Theocles the Athenian, however, having been driven to Sicily by storms, observed both the weakness of the inhabitants and the excellence of the soil. On his return home, he was unable to persuade the Athenians to make any attempt, but he collected a numerous band of Chalcidians in Eubœa, with some Ionians and Dorians, whereof the most part were Megarenses, and sailed. The Chalcidians founded Naxos, and the Dorians Megara, which was at first called Hybla. These cities no longer exist, but the name of Hybla survives on account of the Hyblæan honey.))

*Demetriadou, Daphne (May 9, 2003). "Αποικισμός του Εύξεινου Πόντου" ["The Colonisation of the Black Sea"]. Encyclopaedia of the Hellenic World, Asia Minor. Translated by Kalogeropoulou, Georgia.

Strabo, Geographia 17.1.18, cited in "The Archaic Period:Economy:Trade Station". Hellenic History on the Web. The Foundation for the Hellenic World.