Eretrians

Eretrians were the inhabitants of Eretria, an ancient Greek city located in modern-day Greece on the island of Euboea. Eretria was a significant commercial and maritime power in the Archaic and Classical periods. Its people, the Eretrians, were known for their participation in the early colonization efforts of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, establishing settlements such as Sybaris in Magna Graecia and the Chalcidice.

Historically, Eretria was a rival of the nearby city of Chalcis, with whom it engaged in the Lelantine War over fertile land. The Eretrians played a role in the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule, sending ships to aid the rebellion in 499 BC. This action led to the Persian sack of Eretria in 490 BC, a pivotal event preceding the Battle of Marathon.

The city and its inhabitants later came under Athenian influence and were part of the Delian League. Eretria's strategic location and its people's seafaring skills contributed to its prominence. Archaeological evidence from the site of Eretria reveals a well-developed urban center with public buildings, temples, and fortifications, reflecting the prosperity and organization of its inhabitants. The Eretrians were also known for their contributions to art and literature, though specific details are often limited. Their history is intertwined with the broader narrative of ancient Greek civilization, marked by trade, warfare, and political alliances.