Colophon

The city of Colophon was founded by Ionian settlers in the 9th or the 8th century BC, on a very fertile plain watered by numerous streams flowing from five hills that surrounded it. Another advantage of its position was the location on the shortest route connecting Smyrna with Ephesus and Notion. Archaeological excavations have shown that the earliest settlements in the area date back to prehistoric times.

In the 6th century BC Colophon, the member of the Ionian League, got under control of the rulers of Lydia. In 546 BC it was conquered by the Persians, but contrary to popular beliefs about the destructive power of the Persian occupation, Colophon tremendously developed in this period, and even began to mint its own coins.

Colophon surroundings were ideal for the breeding of horses, and the city was famous for its cavalry. In addition, during the battles Colophonians were traditionally accompanied by their dogs. Black female dogs were also sacrificed to the underworld goddess Hecate. This custom of dog sacrifice was unique in the Greek world, as it was only practiced in Colophon and Sparta.

Due to the prosperity of their city the Colophonians got slothful, leading ostentatiously opulent lifestyles. With time the city lost its importance to the advantage of nearby Notion.

Greek ancient city in Ionia - one of the Ionian dodecapolis. According to tradition founded as a colony by two sons of Codrus, King of Athens. Colophon was the strongest of the Ionian cities and famous both for its cavalry and for the inhabitants' luxurious lifestyle. In the first half of the VII century BC [665 BC] city was conquered by king of Lydia - Gyges (reign from 716 BC to 678 BC). Gradually Kolophon lost her importance and when she came under the Persian domination in the second half of the VI ventury BC. When Alexander the Great came to Asia Minor Kolophon regained her independence. Unfortunately diadochus Lysimachos (reign 306–281 BC) destroyed the city and forced to move citizens to the newly founded city of Ephesus. Some of the Kolophonians moved to Notion and the city was reduced to a very measly state. However, Kolophon was rebuilt after Lysimachus death in 281 BC. Since then Kolophon was known as "archaic Kolophon" for Notion became a "New Kolophon " or "Kolophon on the sea". Still existed under the administrationsof the Srecorded in Notitiae Episcopatuum as late as the XIII century, as a suffragan of Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia.