The Development of the Greek World 800-500 B.C.

(Colonisation)
4) Explain how a colony was established in the Greek World (800-500 BC) 25 Marks. The establishment of colonies in the Ancient Greek world was through a special process. Firstly an Oikestes would have to consult an oracle. This oracle could be anywhere but the god that the oracle speaks through would become the archgate for the colony. For example, if the Oracle of Delphi was consulted, Apollo would become the archgates. After gaining a promising fortune the Oikestes would begin preparing to set out to found the new colony. Two important items must be taken to the new colony, the sacred flam from the hearth and the government of the mother colony. Once these two items were acquired the journey could begin. Once land was found and deemed suitable, the Oikestes would then divide the land into kleroi (plots) for the people of the new colony. There were some few, rare cases where this process was either not followed or altered. One such example is Taras, daughter colony of Sparta. Taras was formed by a group of illegitimate children who were exiled after the Peloppenesian war. They were stripped of their basic rights and forced to leave. Many riots ensued and eventually the illegitimates left and founded their own colony, which would become Taras. This colony became somewhat successful, as they even founded their own daughter colony, Heraclea, many years later. Another example of a colony not being formed the usual way is Naucratis. This colony was formed due to the need for protection of the Egyptian Pharoah, Psammatichus. The colony had received a fortune from an oracle which stated that he would be helped by bronze men from the sea. The Greek soldiers were paid to be mercenaries for Psammatichus and protect him. Greek colonisation was usually very routine, aside from Taras and Naucratis. These examples are able to tell us that even the Ancient Greeks couldnt always control how their colonies were formed.

CREDITS: 100% work done by S. Furner.