Ancient city on the Aegean Sea, northernmost of the Ionian cities on the western coast of Asia Minor (now the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey). An important maritime state 1000-550 BC, it founded a number of colonies, including Massilia (Marseille) in the western Mediterranean. It declined after the Persian conquest 545 BC. The modern town of Foça is located in an olive-and tobacco-growing region and attracts tourists to the ancient city's ruins