Pallene

Pallene is the ancient name for the westernmost peninsula of the Chalkidiki peninsula in northern Greece. In classical sources it designates the western arm of Chalkidike, a region now represented by the modern peninsula of Kassandra. The Pallene promontory stretches into the Aegean and lies opposite the mainland coast, forming part of Greece’s Pallene–Chalkidiki geography.

In antiquity, Pallene was notable for the city of Potidaea (Potidaia), located on the Pallene isthmus near the coast. Potidaea was a Corinthian colony that grew into an important harbor and military site. It played a central role in early Greek interstate politics when it revolted against Athenian authority around the start of the Peloponnesian War, prompting Athenian military action and contributing to the wider conflict between Athens and its opponents.

From a historical perspective, Pallene is frequently mentioned in classical authors as a distinct geographic and political region. Its importance declined after classical antiquity, and the name Pallene gradually fell out of common usage. In modern geography, the westernmost peninsula of Chalkidiki is known as Kassandra, while Pallene survives in scholarly and literary references to the ancient landscape.

Today, the Pallene region is part of Greece’s Chalkidiki (Chalkidiki regional unit). Its ancient sites, including Potidaea, are of interest to archaeology and classical studies, illustrating the historical connections between Corinthian colonization, Athenian hegemony, and the broader history of northern Greece.