Settlements > Clazomenae

Clazomenae

Clazomenae, also spelled Klazomenai, was an ancient Greek city located in Ionia, on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League and played a significant role in ancient Greek history, culture, and commerce. Here are some key points about Clazomenae:

Geographic Location

1. Ionia: Clazomenae was situated in the region of Ionia, near the modern town of Urla, about 20 kilometers west of the city of İzmir (ancient Smyrna).
2. Island and Mainland: The original city was located on the mainland, but due to threats from Persian invasions, the inhabitants relocated to a nearby island for better defense. Eventually, a causeway was built to reconnect the island to the mainland.

Historical Significance

1. Foundation and Early History: Clazomenae was founded by Greek settlers, possibly from Athens and other Ionian cities, around the 11th or 10th century BCE. It was one of the oldest Ionian colonies.
2. Ionian League: Clazomenae was a member of the Ionian League, a confederation of twelve cities in Ionia that collaborated for religious, cultural, and political purposes. The league's religious center was the Panionium, located near Mount Mycale.

Cultural and Economic Activities

1. Commerce and Trade: Clazomenae was known for its olive oil production and trade. Its strategic location on the Aegean coast facilitated commerce with other Greek cities, as well as with regions in the eastern Mediterranean.
2. Art and Pottery: The city was renowned for its terracotta sarcophagi, which were elaborately decorated with scenes from mythology and daily life. These artifacts are significant examples of Ionian art and craftsmanship.

Notable Figures

1. Anaxagoras: One of the most famous residents of Clazomenae was the pre-Socratic philosopher Anaxagoras (c. 500–428 BCE). He is known for his philosophical contributions, including the concept of Nous (Mind) as the organizing principle of the cosmos and for his influence on later philosophers such as Socrates and Pericles.

Historical Events

1. Persian Wars: During the Persian Wars, Clazomenae, like many other Ionian cities, came under Persian control. It participated in the Ionian Revolt (499–493 BCE) against Persian rule but was subsequently subdued by the Persians.
2. Peloponnesian War: During the Peloponnesian War, Clazomenae was initially aligned with Athens but switched allegiances several times due to the shifting power dynamics between Athens and Sparta.

Archaeological Discoveries

1. Ruins and Artifacts: Excavations at Clazomenae have uncovered significant archaeological remains, including city walls, residential areas, and public buildings. Artifacts such as pottery, coins, and tools provide insights into the daily life and economic activities of the city's inhabitants.
2. Terracotta Sarcophagi: The city's terracotta sarcophagi are particularly notable for their artistic and cultural significance. Many of these sarcophagi are now housed in museums, including the İzmir Archaeological Museum and the Louvre in Paris.

Legacy

1. Historical Influence: Clazomenae's contributions to philosophy, art, and commerce left a lasting legacy in the ancient Greek world. The city's connection to Anaxagoras highlights its role in the intellectual history of Greece.
2. Modern Recognition: The site of ancient Clazomenae continues to be studied and excavated, providing valuable information about Ionian civilization and the broader context of ancient Greek history.

Conclusion

Clazomenae was a significant Ionian city known for its strategic location, economic activities, and cultural contributions. Its role in the Ionian League, its production of olive oil and terracotta sarcophagi, and its association with the philosopher Anaxagoras underscore its importance in ancient Greek history. Today, the archaeological remains of Clazomenae offer insights into the city's past and its influence on the wider Greek world.

Sources

"(34) Klazomenai, Ionia (Turkey)". Catalogue of the Ottilia Buerger Collection of Ancient and Byzantine Coins. Lawrence University.

Vanessa B. Gorman (2001). 'Miletos, the ornament of Ionia: history of the city to 400 BCE', p. 122 ISBN 0-472-11199-X, ISBN 978-0-472-11199-2. University of Michigan Press.

Raymond Janin, v. Clazomènes, in Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Géographie ecclésiastiques, vol. XII, Paris 1953, col. 1082

Michel Lequien, Oriens christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus, Paris 1740, Vol. I, coll. 729-730

Sophrone Pétridès, v. Clazomenae. Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. IV, New York 1908

Annuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2013 ISBN 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 838

Lin Foxhall (2007). Olive Cultivation in Ancient Greece, section 6.3.2. p. 141 (figures) ISBN 0-19-815288-4, ISBN 978-0-19-815288-0. Oxford University Press.

Fik Meijer, Onno van Nijf (1992). Trade, Transport, and Society in the Ancient World, p. 113 ISBN 0-415-00345-8, ISBN 978-0-415-00345-2. Routledge.

Greaves, A.M., 2010. The Land of Ionia: Society and Economy in the Archaic Period. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Cook, R.M., 1981. Clazomenian sarcophagi. Mainz: Zabern.

E. Koparal-E.İplikçi, “Archaic Olive Oil Extraction Plant in Klazomenai”, in A. Moustaka, E. Skarlatidou, M.C. Tzannes, Y. Ersoy (eds.), Klazomenai, Teos and Abdera: Metropoleis and Colony, Proceedings of the International Symposium held at the Archaeological Museum of Abdera (Oct. 2001), Thessaloniki 2004, 221-234.

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Clazomenae". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.