The Relations between the Greek Colonies in Sicily and Corinth in the Fifth Century BCE

Abstract

The study examined the nature of the relationships between Corinth and its colonies in Sicily during the fifth century BCE, with particular emphasis on the colony of Syracuse as the most prominent Corinthian outpost on the island. The research argued that these ties were not a form of direct subordination; rather, the colonies enjoyed a degree of political autonomy while maintaining historical, religious, and strategic connections with the mother city. Using a historical-analytical approach, the study traced the development of these relationships in the context of political and military changes, especially during the Peloponnesian Wars, drawing on both ancient Greek sources and modern scholarship. The findings indicated that Corinth’s stance toward its colonies was primarily guided by political and strategic interests rather than other considerations, and that the Peloponnesian conflict reshaped this relationship, giving it a clearer military dimension. The study concluded that Sicily occupied a central position in Greek politics, and that the relationship between Corinth and its colonies, such as Syracuse, exemplified a balance between autonomy and cooperation dictated by the political realities of the time.