Question: cities in europe that were once greek colonies

title: Colonies in antiquity
text: The relation between colony and mother - city , known literally as the metropolis , was viewed as one of mutual affection . Any differences that arose were resolved by peaceful means whenever possible , war being deemed excusable only in cases of extreme necessity . It is worth noting that the Peloponnesian War was in part a result of a dispute between Corinth and her colony of Corcyra ( Corfu ) . The charter of foundation contained general provisions for the arrangement of the affairs of the colony , and also some special enactments . The constitution of the mother - city was usually adopted by the colony , but the new city remained politically independent . The `` holy fire '' of the metropolis was preserved in a special place to remind people of the common ties . If the colony sent out a fresh colony on its own account , the mother - city was generally consulted , or was at least requested to furnish a leader . Frequently the colonies declaring their commitment to the various metropolitic alliances formed in the Greek mainland and for religious reasons would pay tribute in religious centres , like Delphi , Olympia or Delos .