Second or great Greek colonization is a phenomenon of migration of Greek population to the area of Mediterranean, Black, Ionian, and Aegean Sea. It took place in the archaic era of Greek history, culminating among 750 and 580 BC. In the final seminar paper, we focused on colonization of Greater Greece in the area of present south Italy that was probably named so in the 6th century BC. Kume were the first colony founded by Chalkidians around 740 BC. Tarent is probably the most well-known colony that was the only Spartan colony in Greater Greece. All major colonies (Tarent, Kume, Kroton, and Sibaris) are described in the paper. The most active in founding the colonies were the Achaeans and Chalcis. Aristocrats were usually the founders of new colonies. After their death, they were worshipped in their newly founded colonies. The main reason for migration was overpopulation of Greece. Greeks were forced to move due to the poverty, hardship, fear of political prosecution, adventure, and searching for wealth. Maritime knowledge played an important role in successful colonization that had been passed among the Greek population for centuries. In addition, construction of ships that became safer for navigation along the Mediterranean improved. Colonies were founded near rivers and springs and on shores that were the most appropriate for settlement. All towns were situated in the area of present-day Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Apulia, and south-eastern Sicily. Due to the thriving trade, the colonies developed fast and spread their culture along the entire Apennine Peninsula. They passed on their culture to the Etruscans and then to the Romans. Religion played an important role in founding colonies as patrons of expeditions and founders of colonies asked oracle in Delphi and gods to tell them where to found a new town. When town were developed, Pythagorean School of philosophy was developed in the area of Greater Greece that was widely known and had numerous fans. Colonization only partially solved the problems faced by the native Greece. Through colonization, the Greeks expanded their political and cultural influence throughout the Mediterranean. The situation in Greece influenced the course of colonization, while it did not significantly influenced development in native Greece. The Greek world has grown enormously, but not only at the expense of the Mediterranean colonies. At that time, Greeks were a world nation.
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