ABSTRACT
In about 750 B.C.E., population growth led to the founding of Greek colonies throughout the Mediterranean, especially in southern Italy and Sicily. These followed the established pattern of independent
city-states, growing in number as trade increased; by 600 B.C.E. they totaled nearly 1,500. With a sense of superiority over non-Greek-speaking peoples, whom they regarded as barbarians, and intent on spreading Hellenic influence, the new city-states maintained strong cultural links with Greece.
