Musings on the Facts and Purpose of Rhaikelos

Abstract

The story of the foundation of Rhaikelos presents a rather problematic piece of history, with a marginal narrative based on sources removed from the actual event by several centuries. The chronology of the tyrannies and exiles of Peisistratos, as well as the possible location of the city, are issues which have been much discussed in modern scholarship. It is now almost certain that Rhaikelos was founded at what is now Peraia near Thessaloniki in 556 BC; however, numerous problems persist. I am of the opinion that Peisistratos actually helped in establishing an Eretrian emporium on the western coast of Chalkidike, the only resource that Eretria could get from there – and for which it was worthwhile to set up a specialised emporium on the coast – being timber from close-by Mt. Kissos. In addition, I argue that king Alketas was not even close to Rhaikelos to be in a state to allow for, or even to facilitate the establishment of a settlement, so that it is entirely possible that the establishment of Rhaikelos took place without the help, approval, participation or collaboration, maybe even without the knowledge of Macedon.