What was Phocaea, and where was it located?

Phocaea, also known as Phokaia in Ancient Greek, was an ancient Ionian Greek city situated on the western coast of Anatolia. Its modern-day location is the town of Foça in Turkey. The city was a significant maritime power and played a crucial role in the colonization of the Mediterranean.

What is the geographical position of Phocaea relative to other ancient regions?

Phocaea held the distinction of being the northernmost city within the Ionian region, bordering the area known as Aeolis. It was strategically located near the mouth of the Hermus River, which is now called the Gediz River. The city lay on the coast between two gulfs: the Gulf of Cyme to the north and the Gulf of Smyrna (modern İzmir) to the south.

Describe the harbors of Phocaea and their significance.

Phocaea was endowed with two natural harbors that were situated close to the main settlement. These harbors contained numerous small islands, likely aiding in navigation and defense. The presence of these excellent harbors was instrumental in the city's development into a thriving seafaring economy and a formidable naval power, which significantly shaped its culture.

What evidence suggests Phocaea was a large city during the archaic period?

Archaeological surveys indicate that Phocaea was a substantial city during the archaic period. The ancient historian Herodotus provides an indication of its size by describing the city walls as spanning several stadia, a unit of length used in ancient Greece, suggesting a considerable perimeter.

What is the significance of the Tas Kule tomb near Phocaea?

The Tas Kule, meaning 'rock tower,' is a 4th-century BC Persian tomb located approximately 7 kilometers east of Phocaea along a main road. This funerary monument is carved from solid rock and features a two-story structure, with the upper story surmounted by a smaller section. The architectural style, particularly the steps between the levels, suggests strong Persian influence, leading archaeologists to believe it was constructed for a Persian aristocrat or a local leader serving the Persian Empire. Its design is comparable to the tomb of Cyrus.

According to Pausanias, how was Phocaea founded?

The ancient geographer Pausanias stated that Phocaea was established by colonists from Phocis, an area in central Greece. These settlers were reportedly led by Athenian leadership and were granted land by the Aeolian Cymaeans. Pausanias also noted that Phocaea was admitted into the Ionian League after accepting the line of Codrus as its kings.

What do pottery remains suggest about the settlement of Phocaea?

Pottery findings indicate an Aeolian presence in the area as late as the 9th century BC. Concurrently, evidence points to an Ionian presence emerging around the end of the 9th century BC. Based on this archaeological data, scholars infer that the settlement of Phocaea likely occurred around this timeframe.

What historical accounts describe the early maritime activities of the Phocaeans?

Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, described the Phocaeans as pioneers in long sea voyages. He documented their exploration of the coasts of the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenia (Etruria), and Spain. Their extensive seafaring capabilities were recognized even by foreign rulers, such as Arganthonios, the king of Tartessus in Spain.

How did King Arganthonios of Tartessus interact with the Phocaeans?

King Arganthonios of Tartessus was so impressed by the Phocaeans' long sea voyages and their capabilities that he invited them to settle in his territory. When they declined his offer, he provided them with a substantial sum of money, reportedly to help them build a defensive wall around their own city.

What were some of the major colonies established by Phocaea?

Phocaea was renowned for establishing several significant colonies across the Mediterranean. Key among these were Massalia (modern Marseille, France), founded around 600 BC; Emporion (modern Empúries, Spain), established in 575 BC; and Elea (modern Velia, Italy), founded in 540 BC. Other notable colonies included Alalia in Corsica and Rhoda in Spain.

Beyond major colonies, what other trade and settlement activities did Phocaea engage in?

Phocaea's maritime reach extended to trade with the Greek colony of Naucratis in Egypt, which was a settlement of their fellow Ionian city, Miletus. To the north, they likely assisted in the establishment of Amisos (modern Samsun) on the Black Sea and Lampsacus at the entrance to the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles).

Under which Lydian king did Phocaea first fall under foreign control?

Phocaea, along with the other mainland Ionian cities, came under Lydian control during the reign of King Croesus. Croesus ruled Lydia from approximately 560 to 545 BC, and it was during this period that Phocaea lost its independence to the Lydian kingdom.

How did Phocaea become part of the Persian Empire?

After falling under Lydian control, Phocaea, along with Lydia itself, was conquered by Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Empire. This conquest occurred in 546 BC and marked one of the initial conflicts in the broader Greco-Persian Wars. The subjugation of Lydia and its Ionian subjects by Persia significantly altered the political landscape of the region.

What was the reaction of the Phocaeans to Persian rule?

Rather than submit to the authority of the Persian Empire, the majority of the Phocaean population chose to abandon their city. Some Phocaeans sought refuge on the island of Chios, while others fled to their established colonies in Corsica and other parts of the Mediterranean. A significant group eventually founded the colony of Elea in southern Italy around 540 BC.

What role did Phocaea play in the Ionian Revolt?

In 500 BC, Phocaea actively participated in the Ionian Revolt against the Persian Empire. Demonstrating its continued naval significance, a Phocaean named Dionysius was appointed to command the combined Ionian fleet at the pivotal Battle of Lade in 494 BC. Despite this leadership role, Phocaea could only contribute three ships to the fleet, which numbered over 350 vessels, indicating a decline in its military strength compared to earlier times.

What was Phocaea's relationship with Athens after the Persian Wars?

Following the Greek victory over Xerxes I in 480 BC and the subsequent rise of Athenian power, Phocaea joined the Delian League. As a member of this Athenian-led alliance, Phocaea was required to pay tribute to Athens, amounting to two talents annually. This membership signified its integration into the Athenian sphere of influence during that period.

How did Phocaea's status change during the Peloponnesian War?

During the Peloponnesian War, specifically in 412 BC, Phocaea rebelled against Athenian control. This rebellion occurred with the support of Sparta, Athens' main rival. The Peace of Antalcidas in 387 BC, which concluded the Corinthian War, led to the return of nominal Persian control over the Ionian cities, including Phocaea.

What military action did the Phocaeans undertake during the Hellenistic period?

During the Hellenistic period, the Phocaeans engaged in a military action in 343 BC when they unsuccessfully besieged the city of Kydonia on the island of Crete. This event highlights their continued, albeit sometimes unsuccessful, military engagement in the wider Greek world.

Which empires controlled Phocaea during the Hellenistic and Roman periods?

Following the Hellenistic period, Phocaea came under the rule of the Seleucid Empire and later the Attalid dynasty. During the Roman period, the city maintained its importance as a manufacturing center, particularly for ceramic vessels, including the distinctive Phocaean red slip ware.

What was the role of Benedetto Zaccaria in Phocaea's history?

Benedetto I Zaccaria, the Genoese ambassador to Byzantium, gained control of Phocaea. He and his descendants established a hereditary lordship over the city and amassed significant wealth, primarily from the rich alum mines located there. Phocaea remained a Genoese colony under their rule until it was conquered by the Turks in 1455.

What significant event occurred in Phocaea in 1914?

In 1914, Phocaea was the site of a massacre targeting ethnic Greek civilians. This tragic event was carried out by Turkish irregular bands, contributing to the broader ethnic tensions and violence in the region during that period.

What is notable about Phocaea's coinage?

Phocaea is recognized as one of the earliest cities globally to produce and utilize coins for monetary purposes, likely adopting the practice after the Lydians. Their initial coins were crafted from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. An example of this early coinage, featuring a seal motif and dating from around 600 to 550 BC, is housed in the British Museum.

What does the image of the ancient theatre in Phocaea represent?

The source material includes an image depicting the ancient theatre located in Phocaea, showcasing a remnant of the city's Hellenistic or Roman-era public structures.

What does the image of the Griffin coin signify?

An image shows a stater coin from Phocaea, dating to approximately 580 BC, which features the head of a Griffin. The Griffin was a mythical creature often associated with guardianship and wealth, and its depiction on coinage highlights the city's artistic and economic activities during that era.

What is depicted in the image of Phokaia coinage from the 5th-4th centuries BC?

The provided material displays coinage from Phokaia, Ionia, dating between approximately 478 and 387 BC. These coins may feature a portrait of Satrap Tissaphernes, identifiable by his satrapal headdress, indicating the region's political context under Persian influence during that period.

What does the image of electrum coinage from 340-335 BC illustrate?

An image illustrates electrum coinage from Phocaea, specifically from the period between 340 and 335 BC. This type of coinage, made from a natural alloy of gold and silver, reflects the city's continued use of innovative monetary systems.

What does the map indicate about Phocaea's location?

The map visually represents Phocaea's position within Western Turkey, highlighting its geographical coordinates and its placement within the broader landscape of the region. It serves to orient the viewer to the city's physical setting.

What is the alternative name for Phocaea mentioned in the infobox?

The infobox lists 'Phokaia' as an alternative name for Phocaea, which is its name in Ancient Greek.

What is Phocaea's status within the Roman Catholic Church?

Phocaea is recognized as a titular see within the Roman Catholic Church. A titular see is a bishopric that has no territory and is assigned to a bishop who typically holds another office, such as auxiliary bishop or bishop in a military ordinariate.

What historical sources are cited for information about Phocaea?

Key historical sources cited for information about Phocaea include the works of ancient authors such as Herodotus (particularly concerning its history and the Ionian Revolt), Pausanias (regarding its founding), and Pliny the Elder (likely concerning its geography or Roman-era activities). Modern scholarly works like Stillwell's 'The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites' and specific books on Western Turkey are also referenced.

What does the inclusion of Phocaea in the 'Ancient settlements in Turkey' navbox signify?

The inclusion of Phocaea within the 'Ancient settlements in Turkey' navigation box indicates its status as a significant historical site within modern-day Turkey, connecting it to a broader list of ancient urban centers in the region.

What is the significance of Phocaea's inclusion in the 'Ionian League' navbox?

Phocaea's presence in the 'Ionian League' navigation box highlights its historical role as one of the twelve member cities of this important political and religious confederation of Ionian Greek cities in ancient times.

Phocaea Wiki: Phocaea: Maritime Metropolis of the Aegean

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Geography

Strategic Location

Phocaea was situated as the northernmost of the twelve Ionian cities, marking the boundary with the region of Aeolis. Its position on the western coast of Anatolia, near the mouth of the Hermus River (modern Gediz), placed it strategically between the Gulf of Cyme to the north and the Gulf of Smyrna (modern Izmir) to the south.

Natural Harbors & Seafaring

The city boasted two natural harbors in close proximity, each featuring several small islands. This advantageous geography fostered a thriving seafaring economy and established Phocaea as a significant naval power, profoundly influencing its culture and outward reach.

Archaic Period Scale

Archaeological evidence suggests Phocaea was a substantial settlement for its time during the Archaic period. Historical accounts, such as those by Herodotus, indicate the city possessed formidable walls extending several stadia in length, underscoring its importance and defensive capabilities.

Persian Influence

Located approximately 7 km east of the main settlement, the Tas Kule (rock tower) stands as a 4th-century BC Persian tomb. Carved from solid rock, its architectural style, particularly the steps connecting its two levels, suggests strong Persian influence, likely serving as a funerary monument for a Persian aristocrat or a local leader serving the Persian Empire.

History

Foundation and Colonization

Founded by Ionian Greek colonists, possibly with Athenian leadership and land granted by the Aeolian Cymaeans, Phocaea quickly became a prominent maritime power. Archaeological findings suggest settlement activity from the late 9th century BC. The Phocaeans were pioneers in long-distance sea voyages, establishing influential colonies such as Massalia (Marseille, France) around 600 BC, Emporion (Empúries, Spain) in 575 BC, and Elea (Velia, Italy) in 540 BC.

Lydian and Persian Rule

Phocaea initially fell under the control of the Lydian king Croesus around 560-545 BC. Subsequently, following the Lydian defeat, the city, along with the rest of mainland Ionia, was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia in 546 BC. Rather than submit to Persian rule, many Phocaeans abandoned their city, with some eventually founding Elea.

Revolts and Leagues

Phocaea participated in the Ionian Revolt against Persia in 500 BC, contributing ships to the Ionian fleet. Later, it joined the Delian League under Athenian influence, paying tribute. During the Peloponnesian War, Phocaea rebelled against Athens with Spartan support in 412 BC. The Peace of Antalcidas in 387 BC nominally returned the region to Persian control.

Hellenistic, Roman, and Genoese Eras

Throughout the Hellenistic period, Phocaea experienced shifts in control, falling under Seleucid and then Attalid rule. During the Roman era, it was recognized as a center for ceramic production, notably for the distinctive Phocaean red-slip ware. Later, it came under the control of Benedetto I Zaccaria of Genoa, who established a hereditary lordship and profited from the city's rich alum mines, maintaining it as a Genoese colony until its capture by the Turks in 1455.

Later History and Tragedy

Phocaea is recognized as a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. In a tragic event in 1914, the city was the site of a massacre targeting ethnic Greek civilians by Turkish irregular bands, a somber chapter in its long history.

Coinage

Early Monetary Innovation

Phocaea was among the earliest civilizations globally to adopt and utilize coins as a medium of exchange. Its initial coinage was crafted from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, reflecting its early engagement with sophisticated economic practices.

The Seal Motif

A notable example of Phocaean coinage, dating from approximately 600 to 550 BC, features a distinctive seal motif. This artifact, housed in the British Museum, highlights the city's early artistic and economic achievements.

Later Electrum Issues

Further electrum coinage from Phocaea, dating between 340 and 335 BC, has been discovered. Some of these later issues bear what is believed to be a portrait of the Satrap Tissaphernes, indicating continued regional influence and artistic representation.

External Resources

Wikimedia Commons

Explore a collection of visual media related to Phocaea, including archaeological sites, artifacts, and maps, providing a rich visual context for the city's history and geography.

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Wikisource

Access historical texts, including the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article on Phocaea, offering deeper scholarly insights and primary source material.

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Digital Classics

Consult scholarly resources like Pleiades, a gazetteer of ancient places, for detailed geographical and archaeological information on Phocaea and its context.

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References

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References

Pliny, 3.5.

Strabo, 13.1.2.

Stillwell, "Phokaia".

Herodotus, 1.163.

Herodotus, 1.6.

Herodotus, 6.11â12.

Herodotus, 6.8.

C. Michael Hogan, Cydonia, Modern Antiquarian, January 23, 2008

Turks Slay 100 Greeks The New York Times, June 17, 1914.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Phocaea Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional historical or archaeological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, archaeologists, or cultural heritage professionals. Always refer to primary sources and academic research for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Phocaea: Maritime Metropolis of the Aegean

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Geography 🗺️

📍 Strategic Location

⚓ Natural Harbors & Seafaring

🏛️ Archaic Period Scale

🗿 Persian Influence

History 📜

⛵ Foundation and Colonization

👑 Lydian and Persian Rule

⚔️ Revolts and Leagues

🏛️ Hellenistic, Roman, and Genoese Eras

🕯️ Later History and Tragedy

Coinage 🪙

💰 Early Monetary Innovation

⭐ The Seal Motif

👑 Later Electrum Issues

External Resources 🔗

🖼️ Wikimedia Commons

📖 Wikisource

🌍 Digital Classics

References 📚

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Geography

Strategic Location

Natural Harbors & Seafaring

Archaic Period Scale

Persian Influence

History

Foundation and Colonization

Lydian and Persian Rule

Revolts and Leagues

Hellenistic, Roman, and Genoese Eras

Later History and Tragedy

Coinage

Early Monetary Innovation

The Seal Motif

Later Electrum Issues

External Resources

Wikimedia Commons

Wikisource

Digital Classics

References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice