Founding of Massalia: What Happened
Around 600 BC, Greek sailors from Phocaea, a city on the coast of Asia Minor, founded Massalia on the southern coast of what is now France. According to a well-known legend, the Phocaean leader Protis arrived just as the local king was holding a feast where his daughter would choose a husband. She chose Protis, and the king gave the couple land on which to build the city. Whatever the truth of the story, Massalia had an excellent natural harbor and quickly became a thriving trading port. Its merchants traded wine, olive oil and fine pottery with the Celtic peoples of Gaul, spreading Greek goods and influence deep into western Europe, and founded smaller colonies along the coasts of France and Spain, such as Nikaia, modern Nice, and Antipolis, modern Antibes. The explorer Pytheas sailed from Massalia to Britain and the North Atlantic in the 4th century BC. Massalia remained an independent Greek city for centuries before coming under Roman control in 49 BC. Today it is Marseille, France's oldest city and second largest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Massalia founded?
Massalia was founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors from Phocaea, a city on the coast of Asia Minor. It became one of the most important Greek colonies in the western Mediterranean.
What is Massalia called today?
Massalia is today Marseille, France's oldest city and its second largest. Its Old Port stands on the site of the ancient Greek harbor.
What is the legend of Protis?
According to legend, the Phocaean leader Protis arrived as a local king's daughter was choosing a husband at a feast. She chose Protis, and the king gave the couple land to found the city.
What did Massalia trade?
Massalia's merchants traded wine, olive oil and fine pottery with the Celtic peoples of Gaul, spreading Greek goods and influence deep into western Europe.
Which other cities did Massalia found?
Massalia founded smaller colonies along the coasts of France and Spain, including Nikaia, modern Nice, and Antipolis, modern Antibes. The explorer Pytheas also sailed from Massalia to Britain.
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