1. Greece: The Age of Colonization
March 19, 2012

2. Colonization: The act of setting up colonies, areas of settlement, away from the homeland

3. The Rise of the City State
Greeks developed small secure, independent communities, each referred to as a polis
Often situated on a hilltop, called an acropolis
The two largest Greek city states were Athens and Sparta
Populations began to grow rapidly, food supply was strained, natural resources depleted
What could be done?

4. The Age of Colonization
Create colonies, apoikai, away homes, bound to parent city only by trade
Greeks developed boats called Triremes
Established colonies at
The Bay of Naples
Sicily (biggest colony here, at Syracuse)
All over Southern Italy
Northern Africa, Spain and France
Set up more colonies around Black Sea, exploiting trade in wheat and timber

6. Causes and Effects Greek city states were small, scattered units
Often fighting amongst themselves
Most were ill-prepared to defend themselves
Greeks in Asia Minor fell under Persian rule
Greeks rebelled: the city state of Miletus led other Ionian city states in revolt against Persians
Athenians supported Ionians
Persians crushed Miletus and the Athenian forces
Persians realized the rest of Greece was a threat and prepared for further invasions, thus began the Persian Wars