A Greek colony was a settlement established by ancient Greeks in a new territory, often far from their homeland. These colonies were founded for various reasons, including the search for arable land, trade opportunities, and to relieve population pressures in Greece. They typically maintained cultural ties to their mother city, or polis, and often shared language, religion, and customs. Greek colonies were spread across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, with notable examples including Massalia (modern-day Marseille) and Byzantium (later Constantinople). These settlements played a crucial role in the spread of Greek culture and influence, contributing to the development of trade networks and cultural exchange in the ancient world.