In 600 BC, the Phocaeans, an ancient Greek people, founded Massalia, known today as Marseille, establishing one of the earliest Greek colonies in southern Gaul. This settlement served as a vital trading hub, facilitating cultural exchange between the Greeks and local tribes. The founding of Massalia marked the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the Mediterranean, contributing to the region's economic and cultural development.

The founding of Massalia by the Phocaeans extended Greek influence and inspired Hellenistic poets to explore themes of exploration and cultural exchange. This event provided rich material for narratives celebrating adventure and the spread of civilization, as seen in the works of poets like Apollonius of Rhodes.