Greek colonization refers to the period from the 8th to the 6th century BCE when the ancient Greeks established settlements across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Driven by factors such as overpopulation, trade opportunities, and the search for arable land, Greek city-states like Athens and Corinth sent out groups of settlers to found new cities, known as poleis. These colonies often maintained cultural ties to their mother cities while developing their own local identities. Notable colonies included Massalia (modern-day Marseille) and Byzantium (later Constantinople). This expansion facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of Greek language and customs throughout the ancient world.