Greek Colonization of the Mediterranean

What happened

Driven by population growth and trade, Greek city-states founded colonies around the Mediterranean and Black Sea — from Massalia (Marseille) in the west to the shores of Anatolia. Corinth founded Syracuse in Sicily; other cities settled southern Italy (Magna Graecia).

Why it matters

Colonization spread Greek language, religion, and culture across the ancient world and knit the Mediterranean into a Greek-influenced sphere.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Greek Colonization · Reputable source