The Early Greek Colonies - Essay Example

As can be seen from the situation that is been described, there was not merely one or two factors that encourage Greece to colonize and otherwise invade the surrounding regions. Instead, a litany of factors coalesced and encouraged the nascent state, as a direct result of its exposure, trade, and subsequent military conquest, that colonization would be an effective means through which a greater level of wealth and regional influence could be exhibited. 

After the conquest of the first wave of Greek colonization, it became clear that a level of administrative authority, unlike what existed within the Greek states, must be exerted as a means of ensuring that a level of separatism and possible/potential rebellion was not exhibited. Because the individuals who were colonized were inherently “non-Greek” the colonies could not be expected to be administered willingly in the same way that free men within the Greek city-states existed. As such, a new form of administration and one that promoted a level of Greek culture, identification, and governance was established within these newly conquered realms. Although it was not a primary interest of the Greek colonizers to instill a level of cultural respect, the institutions and governance structure that was established effectively created a level of Greek culture and respect for it within the institutions that have thus far been described.

As with any empire throughout history, the growth and diversity of colonies created a situation in which Greece was forced to expend a great deal of energy, time, and money as a means of administering and ensuring that these colonies continue to function efficiently. Ultimately, what has been described concerning Greek colonization and the manner through which culture was represented within this process is not something that can or should be understood in terms of a definitive and planned effort by the Greeks to engage non-Greeks with respect and cultural level of change. Instead, as a result of the time, energy, and money that was necessitated to ensure that these colonies remained firmly under the control of Greece, a level of cultural accommodation was a necessary component that came to be noted.