Paros in the Fourth Century BC and the Foundation of Pharos

The aftermath of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) found the Greek world in a state of general uneasiness, decimation of population, and weakening of political institutions. Soon, new high casualties were caused by the Corinthian War (395-387 BC). The peace imposed in 386 BC, brought autonomy for the Greek states of the mainland and most of the islands but new conflicts arose again, first upon the ascendancy of Thebes to power following the battle at Leuktra (371 BC), and after the middle of the century under the new rising power of Philip of Macedonia. In the paper, the political and socio-economic conditions of Paros during this period will be described, especially in the first half of the century when the colony of Pharos was founded in the Adriatic Sea. Secondly, the new building projects and artistic production in the city of Paros and other areas of the island will be presented in connection with Pharos' foundation and the possible purposes served by such a colonial enterprise of the Parians. Finally, possible trade interactions and links among all three major Parian colonies in the Mediterranean will be considered.