I Dori tornano a casa. Gli Spartani e la fondazione di Eraclea Trachinia (Thuc. 3.92-93)

Alessandro Carli

Abstract:

Considering current studies on the founding of Herakleia Trachinia, which focus primarily on strategic aspects, this contribution aims to offer a new reading of two chapters of the third book of Thucydides from a historical-anthropological perspective. By exploring the deep-seated motives that led Sparta to undertake this colonial venture, this study highlights the elements that characterised both the genesis and the following development of the foundation. The findings of this research reveal the coexistence of several noteworthy factors: the close tie between the mothercity and the colony, and the dynamics based on Dorian ethnicity that intersected with strategic considerations in the war against Athens.