Potidaea facts for kids
Potidaea was an ancient city in Greece. It was founded by people from Corinth around 600 BC. The city was built on a narrow piece of land called Pallene. This area is part of Chalcidice in northern Greece.
History of Potidaea
In 479 BC, the city of Potidaea was under attack by the Persians. A surprising event happened that may have saved the city. The sea suddenly pulled back very far, which was unusual. The Persian attackers tried to use this to their advantage and cross the seabed.
However, a "great flood-tide" then rushed in. This wave was much higher than any before. It surprised the Persians and washed them away. Some people believe this was a tsunami, a very large ocean wave often caused by an earthquake. But since no earthquake was mentioned, it might have been a "meteotsunami." A meteotsunami is a large wave caused by weather changes, like strong winds, rather than an earthquake. These types of waves are common in the Mediterranean Sea.
Potidaea and the Greek Wars
During the time of the Delian League, Potidaea was often caught between the powerful cities of Athens and Corinth. Even though Potidaea was a Corinthian colony, it was part of the Delian League, which Athens led.
This led to problems. In 432 BC, the people of Potidaea rebelled against Athens. This rebellion caused a siege at the start of the Peloponnesian War. The Peloponnesian War was a huge conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their allies. Athens eventually captured Potidaea in 430 BC after the Battle of Potidaea.
Changes of Control
Athens took control of the city again in 363 BC. But in 356 BC, Potidaea was captured by Philip II of Macedon. Philip II was a powerful king and the father of Alexander the Great. He destroyed Potidaea and gave its land to the nearby city of Olynthus.
Later, a new city was built on the same spot by Cassander. He named it Cassandreia. It was probably around this time that a canal was dug through the narrowest part of the land. This canal, which still exists today, might have been made to help ships and create a naval base.
In 43 BC, the Romans settled a new colony there. Then, in 30 BC, Augustus (who was known as Octavian at the time) resettled it. The city was officially named Colonia Iulia Augusta Cassandrensis.
Modern Legacy
Today, a town called Nea Poteidaia is located near the ancient site. This modern town was built for people who became refugees after the First World War. They came from Asia Minor.
In popular culture, the character Gabrielle from the TV show Xena: Warrior Princess was said to be from Potidaea.
See also
- Delian League
- Peloponnesian Wars
- List of ancient Greek cities
