Abstract:

Synoikism, which is a Greek word, is a tenn that is found in the ancient em sett/ement terminolosy. Considering the physical aspects of Synoikism it can be broadly defined as Jolks living in separate settlements joining their land and thus creating a single settlement within the same borders, or folks coming from different settlements joining each other, moving away from their old lands and creating a new settlement on new lands. The concept of settling doesn it only cover physical aspects and costruction, but also social and politieal organizations. With respect, to this Synoikism should also be considered as a concept belonginf{ to the Greek politieal terminology. Seen from this angle, Synoikism can be dejıned as different folks joining their management as one or giving all the managerial power to onererson, in a way centralising their goverment. /n the early period Synoikism's physica needs such as security, joint defense, the search for fertile lands, joining natural resources ete. were the initiators. New social and politieal evolutions were rather results than causes for Synoikism. /n the Helienistic Age, however, Synoikism has changed into a completely new frame, which has moved away from being a self-initiating movement realised by the people and become an efficient and systematic political application sellJing the aim of "Hellenisation ii. In this paper we have exemplified and researched the HelIenistic Synoikism as it existed in Troas. The question why these settlements (Larisa, Kolonai, Hamaxitos, Kebren, Skepsis, Neandria in the Troas) have been chosen for Synoikism has brought to the fore the need to understand Troas historical background until the Hellenistic Period.

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