on the Greek colony to make the difference. The second and third centuries BC in Olbia are characterized by tribes demanding tribute from the city. However because the city was also dependant upon the wheat coming from the tribes, it was in a bad position. The responsibility fell on the shoulders of the wealthy citizens and families of Olbia who had amassed great fortunes during the earlier prosperous years. In particular Protogenes, one such citizen, was called upon repeatedly to pay tributes to tribal kings and repair city fortifications personally. Minns has Protogenes paying about 12,000 gold pieces in protection and tribute for the city. This was an unbelievable fortune. (Minns 462)Eventually Scythian tribes sacked the city in an effort to stabilize and control the wheat trade. They were unsuccessful and in the first century BC Olbia was completely sacked by the Getae people. However what is poignant is that after the destruction of the city, the Scythians invited the Greeks back to Olbia to reinstate the wheat trade economy.Evidently both sides had learned the lesson that both communities were dependant on each other. The Greek city could not exist without the cooperation, production, and protection provided by the Scythians. The Scythians on the other hand could not reap the wealth of a trade economy without the expertise and networks of the Greeks. ConclusionThe Greek settlement of Olbia had far reaching effects on the area and the peoples who inhabited it, the Scythians. However the pattern developed in the history of the city is one which relies on adaptive and cooperative factors with the native populations. Development of a new city and economy in an already inhabited area requires this functions. In both the Scythian and Olbian culture, the other has left distinguishable traces that evidence this process of cross-cultural settlement. ...
