Irad Malkin
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199734818
- eISBN:
- 9780199918553
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199734818.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, World History: BCE to 500CE, European History: BCE to 500CE
Rhodes represents a case of a “back-ripple effect” of Mediterranean networks, when overseas experiences and colonizing activities condensed the distinct poleis of the island into “Rhodian” ones long ...
More
Rhodes represents a case of a “back-ripple effect” of Mediterranean networks, when overseas experiences and colonizing activities condensed the distinct poleis of the island into “Rhodian” ones long before the official synoikismos (unification and foundation of the new city of Rhodos). It indicates the role of (island) regionalism in shaping collective identity. This finds its expression in Rhodian myths (Tlepolemos) that stress overseas, common action; in the short-lived commercial port of Vroulia; and especially in overseas trade and colonization in Sicily and across the Mediterranean in the early sixth century. The more comprehensive nature of Rhodian identity overseas (Olympia, colonization in Sicily at Gela and Akragas) reflected on the home island. Finally, at Egyptian Naukratis, “Rhodes,” acting as a single polis (not so at home, where Lindos Kameiros and Ialysos kept their identity), shared in the most articulate expression of Hellenic identity (again, “overseas”) at the common Greek temple of the Hellenion.Less
Rhodes represents a case of a “back-ripple effect” of Mediterranean networks, when overseas experiences and colonizing activities condensed the distinct poleis of the island into “Rhodian” ones long before the official synoikismos (unification and foundation of the new city of Rhodos). It indicates the role of (island) regionalism in shaping collective identity. This finds its expression in Rhodian myths (Tlepolemos) that stress overseas, common action; in the short-lived commercial port of Vroulia; and especially in overseas trade and colonization in Sicily and across the Mediterranean in the early sixth century. The more comprehensive nature of Rhodian identity overseas (Olympia, colonization in Sicily at Gela and Akragas) reflected on the home island. Finally, at Egyptian Naukratis, “Rhodes,” acting as a single polis (not so at home, where Lindos Kameiros and Ialysos kept their identity), shared in the most articulate expression of Hellenic identity (again, “overseas”) at the common Greek temple of the Hellenion.
