Seminar 5 - The Greeks and the West

Question 1

Foundation of Taras - Ephoros’ version:

Answer 1

Messenians killed Telechus of Lacedaemonia. Lacedaemonians swore to destroy Messenia. During the 10th year of the war the youngest went home to have children with the woman, these children were called the Parthenai. They were not respected by the other men so they plotted with the helots. The plot was revealed and they were encouraged to found a colony - Taras.

Question 2

Foundation of Taras - Pausanias’ version:

Answer 2

Dedications were made from the spoils taken from the Messenians. On setting founding a colony Phalanthus received an oracle from Delphi.

Question 3

Colonisation of the west, Herodotus 1.163-9:

Answer 3

Initially very good terms - King Tartessus said that the Ionians could settle anywhere in his kingdom.

Question 4

Foundation of Taras - Antiochus’ version:

Answer 4

Helots plotted against the free people, Phalanthus was ordered to uncover the plot. He was sent to the temple of the God to consult, with reference to founding s colony - the God gave them Taras.