Migration theory and ‘Greek Colonisation’. Milesians at Naukratis and Abydos

Abstract

With the application of post-colonial theoretical approaches in the last decades of the twentieth century CE, the study of archaic Greek overseas settlement has arrived at something of a terminological and methodological impasse. Scholars continue to debate whether Mediterranean and Black sea settlement can legitimately be termed ‘colonisation’ yet attempts to modify this language of imperialism have thus far failed to achieve significant alteration of the overarching paradigms. This paper will suggest a new approach to these problems using contemporary migration theory to conceptualise archaic Greek mobility and settlement, through the case studies of Milesian migration to Naukratis in Egypt and Abydos in the Troad during the 7th century BCE. Drawing on aspects of structuration and practice theory, it will seek to describe and explain the multi-faceted structures, practices and agency involved in the migration of Milesian Greeks to these areas. The two chosen case studies will be compared to understand how spatial, social, cultural and political factors may have impacted upon the characteristics of Naukratis and Abydos and the multitude of stimuli surrounding their settlement. This will provide ways to re-envisage an important period of Mediterranean history, offering a flexible methodological approach to be utilised in other contexts.