# Greek colony of Massalia founded (-600)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/-600-greek-colony-of-massalia-founded
Location: Marseille

Greek settlers from Phocaea founded Massalia, a major Mediterranean trading city. Within the broader Celtic Gaul period, Iron Age Gaul was a mosaic of peoples, towns and confederations linked by trade, warfare and religious networks. Greek and Roman contacts increasingly drew the region into Mediterranean politics. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Gaulish tribal polities (No single ruler). Greek colony of Massalia founded is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Greek colony of Massalia founded is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Gaulish tribal polities](https://history-france.com/rulers/gaulish-tribal-polities)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Greek colony of Massalia founded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Greek+colony+of+Massalia+founded&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Greek colony of Massalia founded](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Greek+colony+of+Massalia+founded)
- [Wikipedia — History of France overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_France)